Google has decided to remove its AI assistant, Gemini, from the primary Google app for iOS devices. This strategy aims to encourage users to download a separate Gemini app, thereby enabling Google to better compete with other AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity. However, this decision could potentially limit Gemini’s accessibility since the Google app is widely used by millions, and not all users may be inclined to download additional mobile applications.
The company notified customers of this change through an email stating, “Gemini is no longer available in the Google app.”
In the email, Google suggested that users interested in continuing to use Gemini on iOS should download the Gemini app from the App Store. This app became available to iOS users globally late last year, yet Gemini had remained accessible within the main Google app until this update.
The Gemini app on iOS enables users to have voice conversations with the AI assistant through Gemini Live, integrate other Google services like Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail, ask questions, explore topics, plan trips, receive AI summaries and deep analyses, create images, and more. Interactions with Gemini can be conducted via text, voice, or using the camera.
The email further reminded users that Gemini could still produce errors, advising them to double-check the AI’s responses.
Additionally, customers wishing to upgrade to a paid subscription for Gemini Advanced can do so via the iOS app, where the Google One AI Premium plan is available as an in-app purchase.
If an iOS user attempts to access Gemini through the main Google app, they will encounter a full-screen message stating “Gemini now has its own app” with a link directing to the App Store for download.
This approach by Google carries some risks since it involves pushing users to download a new app rather than maintaining its presence in an app already commonly installed on smartphones. While this could facilitate quicker rollouts of new AI features, it may also result in decreased usage of Gemini as some users might not transition to the new app.
