Gemini Removed from Google Search App on iOS

Google Shifts Gemini AI Strategy on iOS

Google is removing its Gemini AI assistant from the primary Google app on iOS devices. This strategic adjustment aims to incentivize users to adopt the dedicated, standalone Gemini application.

By encouraging downloads of the separate app, Google intends to enhance its competitive position against other prominent AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.

Potential Impact on User Reach

However, this transition carries a potential risk. The widespread use of the existing Google app—already utilized by millions—means some users may lack the motivation to download an additional mobile application.

Google informed its user base of this change through an email notification stating, “Gemini is no longer available in the Google app.”

Accessing Gemini on iOS

The communication directed users who wish to continue utilizing Gemini on iOS to download the Gemini app directly from the App Store.

While the Gemini app was released globally to iOS users late last year, it previously remained accessible within the main Google app as well.

Gemini App Capabilities

The Gemini app for iOS enables users to:

• Engage in vocal interactions with the AI assistant via Gemini Live.
• Integrate Google applications like Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail with Gemini.
• Pose questions and explore diverse subjects.
• Plan travel itineraries.
• Receive AI-powered summaries and in-depth analyses.
• Generate images.

Interaction with Gemini is facilitated through text input, voice commands, or camera usage.

Subscription and Accuracy

The email also serves as a reminder that Gemini, like all AI models, is prone to occasional errors, and users should verify the information provided.

Users interested in upgrading to Gemini Advanced, the paid subscription tier, can do so through the iOS app via an in-app purchase of the Google One AI Premium plan.

Transition Message in the Google App

If an iOS user attempts to access Gemini through the main Google app, a full-screen message will appear, informing them that “Gemini now has its own app” and providing a link to the App Store download.

A Calculated Risk

It represents a considerable risk for Google to prioritize app downloads over maintaining functionality within an application already present on most users’ phones.

While this approach may streamline the deployment of new AI features, a decline in Gemini usage is probable as some users may not make the transition.