In a move that might make Siri raise an eyebrow, Google has launched its standalone Gemini app for iPhone. The Google Gemini AI app, now available in Australia, India, the US, the UK, and the Philippines, directly enhances AI functionality on iOS devices.
Previously, iPhone users could only access Gemini through a tab within the main Google app, which, let’s be honest, felt a bit like ordering steak at a vegan restaurant. The new standalone app offers a richer experience, complete with Gemini Live and nifty iOS-specific features like Dynamic Island integration.
Gemini Live and Dynamic Island Integration
So what’s all the fuss about? The Gemini app for iPhone allows users to interact with Google’s AI via text or voice queries and supports Gemini Extensions. One standout feature is Gemini Live, which pops up in your Dynamic Island and Lock Screen during conversations, letting you chat with your AI buddy without diving back into the app.
Read Also: How to use Gemini Live on your Android phone for free
Unlocking Premium Features with Gemini Advanced
The app is free to download, but if you want to unlock its full potential, you’ll need a Gemini Advanced subscription. It’s part of Google’s One AI Premium plan, which will set you back $18.99 (Rs 1,600 approx) per month. The premium plan offers access to Google’s next-gen model, 1.5 Pro, priority features, and a one million token context window, along with Gemini in Mail, Docs, and other apps. Just don’t forget to sign in with your Google account—even AI needs to know who it’s talking to.
Bringing Feature Parity to iOS Users
This rollout follows a soft launch in the Philippines earlier this week. The expansion to more regions is a clear sign that Google is stepping up its AI game on iOS, bringing feature parity closer between iPhone and Android users. Now, users with iOS 16 and later can join the AI party—and yes, that includes iPhone 8 and X owners!
Read Also: Google rolls out Gemini mobile app for Android users in India,
The Bigger Picture in AI Assistants
Interestingly, this move comes amidst reports that Apple had been in talks with Google to integrate Gemini directly into its devices. While that’s still up in the air, one thing’s for sure: the AI race on mobile devices is heating up, and Google isn’t sitting on the sidelines.
A Friendly Rivalry with Siri?
Whether this will make a significant dent in Siri’s domain remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: competition in the AI assistant space can only mean better features and innovation for users. And who knows, maybe Siri and Gemini will end up being besties—or at least frenemies.
