What you need to know
- Google is working on a standalone Gemini app for iOS.
- Previously, iOS users had to access Gemini through the Google app or web client on their iPhone.
- One user has already downloaded and used the Gemini app with Gemini Live on iOS, but it seems to be in a limited test phase.
Google seems to be aiming for a more consistent experience of using Gemini on Android and iOS. They are reportedly preparing to launch a dedicated Gemini app on the App Store for iOS, and at least one Reddit user has already downloaded it. iPhone users have been accessing Gemini through the Google app, while Android users have had a standalone Gemini app since the beginning of this year.
The app, named “Google Gemini,” is currently available on the iOS App Store in select regions. Some users have managed to download it from the Philippines App Store, while for others, including those in the U.S., the app is not yet available.
The Gemini app for iOS is described as “Your AI assistant from Google” and promises to “Unlock the power of Google AI on your iPhone.” The app also includes Gemini Live, which allows users to interact with Gemini in real-time. Users have reported being able to continue conversations with Gemini Live even from their iPhone’s lockscreen.
Comment from r/Bard
Google released the Gemini app in select regions about a week ago, starting with version 1.2024.4330807. The latest update, version 1.2024.4330809, added Gemini Live support.
While the Google app and Google Assistant app are available separately on the App Store for iOS, there is a tab within the Google app dedicated to Gemini. However, the Gemini experience on iOS lacks feature parity with the Android version, with Gemini Live being a notable absence.
With the potential launch of the Gemini app for iPhone, Google could be positioning itself as a competitor to Siri. The app could offer unique functionality on iPhone models with the Action button.