Google’s Gemini AI chatbot, initially launched on Android, is now being tested as a standalone app for iPhone. The Gemini app is expected to introduce new features exclusive to iOS users, providing them with a more advanced AI experience than Google’s integrated assistant.
Gemini, powered by Google’s own language model, was first introduced in late 2023, merging the Bard and Duet AI models to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Available on Android since earlier this year, the app offers users tools to process documents, summarize emails, and perform other AI-driven tasks.
Exclusive Gemini Features on iOS
Reports from a Reddit user in the Philippines reveal that the Gemini app recently became available on the country’s Apple App Store. The screenshots show it has been accessible for about a week, with a shortcut appearing on the home screen once installed. This shortcut allows users to summon the AI assistant with a single tap. According to its App Store description, the app offers a unique way to “unlock the power of Google AI on your iPhone.”
The Gemini app remains unavailable in many regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and India. Google appears to be testing it selectively before a wider rollout. Notably, the iOS version of the Gemini app includes a feature called Gemini Live, which is absent from the Android version. This feature works with iOS’s Live Activity, allowing Gemini to run in the background while users multitask, providing a seamless, more convenient experience.
Anticipated Release and Regional Availability
Currently, iOS users can only access Gemini through the Google search app by switching to the Gemini tab, which is less convenient compared to the dedicated Gemini assistant on Google Pixel devices, notes NIX Solutions. Google has yet to confirm an official release date for the standalone Gemini app for iPhone, so the global launch timeline is still uncertain. However, as testing progresses, it’s likely that the AI assistant could be available to a broader audience in the coming months.
We’ll keep you updated on any announcements from Google regarding the app’s official release and additional features.