Google has officially removed support for its Gemini AI from the main Google app on iOS, redirecting users to a standalone Gemini app available on the App Store. This transition, announced via email to users on February 18, 2025, reflects Google’s strategy to enhance the Gemini experience by offering a dedicated platform with expanded features and improved functionality.
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Key Details of the Transition
Removal from the Google App: Previously accessible through a switcher or the “More” tab in the Google app, Gemini is now entirely unavailable in that app. Users attempting to access it are greeted with a prompt to download the standalone Gemini app.
Standalone Gemini App: Launched in November 2024, the standalone app provides a more robust experience, including new features such as Imagen 3 (a text-to-image model), expanded Gemini Extensions for task-specific capabilities, and Gemini Live for interactive AI assistance via Dynamic Island and Lock Screen integration.
Enhanced Features in the Standalone App
The standalone Gemini app offers several upgrades over its previous integration within the Google app:
- Imagen 3 Support: Enables advanced text-to-image generation.
- Gemini Extensions: Allows task-specific AI interactions across various apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.
- Gemini Live: Provides real-time AI assistance directly accessible from iPhone’s Dynamic Island and Lock Screen.
- Improved Accessibility: Users can interact with Gemini through both text and voice queries, making it more intuitive.
Subscription Model
The standalone Gemini app includes a premium subscription tier called Gemini Advanced, priced at $18.99 per month. This plan offers features such as access to Google’s next-generation AI model, priority updates, and a one-million-token context window for extended interactions.
Implications for Users
Google’s decision aims to centralize and enhance the AI experience by focusing on a dedicated platform. While this change may require users to download an additional app, it provides access to a richer feature set and improved performance compared to its limited functionality within the Google app. This move aligns with Google’s broader push for smarter and more tailored AI experiences on mobile devices.