Google has made the strategic decision to remove its AI assistant, Gemini, from the main Google app for iOS devices. This shift aims to encourage users to download the standalone Gemini app, enabling Google to compete more effectively with other popular consumer-facing AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. However, this change poses a risk of diminishing Gemini’s user base, as the main Google app is already utilized by millions of users, many of whom may lack the motivation to download yet another mobile application.
The tech giant communicated this transition to its customers through an email notification, which stated, “Gemini is no longer available in the Google app.” The email further advised users who wish to continue using Gemini on their iOS devices to download the dedicated Gemini app from the App Store. Although the Gemini app was launched for iOS users globally late last year, it had previously remained accessible within the main Google app until this recent update.
With the Gemini app for iOS, users will gain access to a range of features that enhance their interaction with the AI assistant. These include the ability to engage in voice conversations through a feature called Gemini Live, as well as the capability to connect various Google applications such as Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail to Gemini. Users can ask questions, explore topics, plan trips, receive AI-generated summaries and in-depth analyses, create images, and more. Interaction with Gemini can occur through text, voice commands, or even by utilizing the device’s camera.
In the email, Google also reminded users that while Gemini is a powerful tool, it is not infallible and can still make mistakes. Therefore, users are encouraged to verify the information provided by the AI assistant. For those interested in accessing advanced features, the iOS app offers an upgrade option to a paid subscription that unlocks Gemini Advanced capabilities. This is available through the Google One AI Premium plan, which can be purchased as an in-app transaction.
If an iOS user attempts to access Gemini through the main Google app, they will encounter a full-screen message indicating that “Gemini now has its own app,” along with a link directing them to download it from the App Store. This move by Google represents a calculated risk, as the company seeks to drive users toward downloading a separate app rather than continuing to provide Gemini’s functionality within the widely used Google app. While this approach may facilitate the rapid rollout of new AI features, it is likely that there will be a decline in Gemini’s usage, as some users may choose not to make the transition to the new app.
