Google testing standalone Gemini app for iPhone, reports say

A standalone Google Gemini app for the iOS App Store that allows users to access Gemini Live could soon be available.

This would mark a move away from opening the search app and clicking the Gemini tab at the top, as the offering is currently only available as part of the Google Search app.

The specialist Google product news publisher, 9to5Google, is reporting that the separate app has been spotted for iPhone, with it featuring a Gemini icon.

The publisher shares images from a Reddit board where a user named ‘lostshenanigans’ posted: “Gemini on iPhone just launched. Anybody tried it? I also have pixel buds pro 2. Maybe they can work together now.”

Via ‘lostshenanigans’ on Reddit

The Redditor added a screenshot and said he has found a “new and standalone app. Still trying it now. I haven’t tried it on android but I was really surprised there’s a standalone app all of a sudden. I usually access it via a home shortcut or the google app.”

The OP replied to others who said it’s only available through its integration into the Google Search app with screenshots of a standalone app in the App Store.

This possible introduction would signal a significant change as Apple has its own AI features, under Apple Intelligence, which it is rolling out on the iPhone. While there has been a delay in some of the schedule, this move could see competition be added to Apple devices worldwide.

It appears that Gemini Live is included in the apparent separate app too which is a feature that isn’t currently available on iOS.

The publisher 9to5Google reports that there has only been one report of the app being downloadable, which was by a user in the Philippines. They say the App Store listing doesn’t load in the US as it states “This app is currently not available in your country or region.”

The journalist suggests Google is presumably testing this within a few countries before the wider launch.

A standalone app is available on Android for devices running Android 10 and up, but these reports suggest iOS users could soon see the same boosted accessibility.

The Android version enables users to access the writing, brainstorming, and learning features, as well as being able to summarize and find quick information from Gmail or Google Drive. It also includes the ‘Hey Google’ feature which is where users can ask Gemini for help with what’s on the phone screen.

Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram

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