Google is expanding the accessibility of Gemini AI on iOS by test-launching a dedicated “Google Gemini” app. This standalone app could bring faster updates and new features such as Gemini Live to iPhone users who rely on Google’s AI.
Gemini AI was previously integrated into the Google Search app, but now aims to provide a more optimized experience in iOS 18 and future iOS versions.
Google Gemini AI launches as a separate app
Since its release, Gemini on iOS has been built into the Google app, and users had to navigate to the Gemini tab to access it. Google also updated its home screen widget in September, allowing users to access Gemini directly from their iPhone home screen. With the Google Gemini standalone app, users no longer need these workarounds to interact with Gemini AI.
The Gemini app is not just a duplicate of what is already available in the Google app. It includes a new feature called “Gemini Live.” This feature allows Gemini to work in real-time as users are multitasking, providing voice interaction and hands-free interaction while interacting with other apps.
Early users in the Philippines demonstrated the feature, highlighting how Gemini Live keeps you active in iOS Live Activity, providing a more seamless AI experience.
Currently, the standalone Google Gemini app is only available in the Philippines for select users to download and test. Users in the US and other regions are reporting that the App Store displays the message “This app is not available in your country or region.” This suggests that Google is conducting regional testing before expanding availability globally, which is common for new features.
Why Google should give Gemini AI its own app for iOS
Giving Gemini AI its own standalone app should allow the company to accelerate updates and improve its iOS-specific features, creating a more polished and responsive user experience.
For now, Gemini for iOS (available in the Google app) works with the web features at gemini.google.com, but a dedicated app could eventually give iPhone users access to the same design and updates that enable the Android version.
Google Assistant is also a standalone app for iOS, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Google take a similar path with Gemini AI. If testing is successful, this standalone Gemini app could bring advanced AI tools directly to iOS, allowing iPhone users to enjoy personalized, dynamic AI experiences with new features such as Gemini Live.
The news comes as Apple is still slowly rolling out new AI features for the iPhone 16 series and last year’s iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, a process that’s expected to continue until spring 2025.
