The rise of AI has transformed our interaction with technology, with Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini leading the charge on smartphones. While the iPhone 16 boasts Apple Intelligence, Google’s Pixel 9 series and other top Android phones rely on Gemini. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each AI assistant after months of testing.
Gemini Advanced on the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Activation and Accessibility
Activating either AI is straightforward. Gemini replaces Google Assistant, activated by a bottom corner swipe or “Hey Google.” Disabling this integration might be preferable for users heavily reliant on Google Assistant for smart home control. Apple Intelligence integrates with Siri, activated by “Hey Siri” or a double power button press. A distinctive rainbow edge-lighting effect replaces the full-screen Siri of previous generations.
Apple Intelligence on the Apple iPhone 16 Plus.
While both are easy to use, Gemini’s multiple activation methods offer greater flexibility, though these can vary across Android devices.
Feature Similarities
Using Gemini AI on the Google Pixel 9.
Both platforms prioritize generative features (image and text creation/editing), productivity tools, and voice assistance. While generative AI offers fun features like meme creation, its practical impact can be limited.
Both platforms offer image editing capabilities, including object removal. Google’s Magic Editor in Google Photos has a longer history, while iOS 18 introduces this natively to the Apple Photos app. A comparison of object removal in a sample image reveals Gemini’s superior performance.
An original photo of a person at a table with a menu in front of them
An edited photo of a person at a table with a menu in front of them with the menu removed by Apple Intelligence in the Apple Photos app
An edited photo of a person at a table with a menu in front of them with the menu removed by Google Gemini AI in the Google Photos app
While Apple Intelligence struggles with details like wood grain continuity, Gemini offers multiple edited versions and more refined selection tools. However, accessing Magic Editor requires more steps, and Apple Photos may be more intuitive for new users.
Distinguishing Features
An iPhone showing an Apple Intelligence rendering of Steve Jobs in the Image Playground app.
Gemini excels in generative features and aims to replace Google Assistant, though its smart home control capabilities need improvement. Features like Circle to Search offer seamless related searches based on on-screen content.
Circle to Search with Save to Screenshots option on Google Pixel 9 Pro.
Apple Intelligence, while lacking a direct Circle to Search equivalent, focuses on personal assistance. It offers in-app text editing, rewriting, and summarization across various applications. A key differentiator lies in their underlying models.
Underlying AI Models
An iPhone prompting the user for ChatGPT approval.
Apple Intelligence leverages ChatGPT’s underlying models. This integration provides a backup for Siri and offers access to ChatGPT’s features, including image generation and writing tools. While some features overlap with Apple’s native tools, this provides a wealth of information and data.
Gemini utilizes Google’s own Gemini Advanced, specifically Gemini 1.5 Pro, with access to the next-generation Gemini 2.0 via web interface. Gemini 1.5 boasts a larger context window than ChatGPT, while ChatGPT excels in generating human-like text. Both offer custom chatbot creation, but ChatGPT provides more advanced features, particularly for Plus and Enterprise users.
Using Gemini AI on the Google Pixel 9.
Apple Intelligence’s reliance on an older GPT model, rather than the more advanced GPT-4, is a drawback, impacting its knowledge base and accuracy in some instances.
Using Visual Intelligence on an iPhone 16 Pro showing ChatGPT answer.
Apple Intelligence’s Strength: Personalization
Apple Intelligence Summaries on an iPhone 16 Pro
Despite Gemini’s advanced capabilities, Apple Intelligence shines in personal assistance. Features like Notification Summaries streamline daily life. The seamless integration of Writing Tools within any app offers a superior experience compared to Gemini’s overlay approach.
The Verdict
Close up of the camera on the iPhone 16 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro.
While Gemini’s generative AI and broader knowledge base are impressive, Apple Intelligence’s personal features and seamless integration make it a more valuable daily companion. Gemini is currently the more powerful AI platform, but Apple Intelligence’s focus on personal utility gives it a distinct edge for everyday use.
