Google Pulls Gemini from Main Search App on iOS

Google Gemini AI

Google is pulling its AI assistant Gemini from the main Google app for iOS devices. The move is intended to encourage users to download the standalone Gemini app instead, allowing Google to compete more directly with other consumer-facing AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity.

However, this change could reduce Gemini’s reach, as the Google app is already used by millions, and many users may not be motivated to download a new app.

The company advised anyone who wants to use Gemini on iOS to download the Gemini app from the App Store. Although the app launched to iOS users worldwide last year, Gemini had remained available inside the main Google app until now.

With the dedicated Gemini app, users can interact with the assistant using voice (via Gemini Live), connect with other Google services like Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail, ask questions, plan trips, generate images, receive summaries and more. Interaction modes include text, voice, and camera input.

Google reminds users that Gemini may still produce errors, and responses should be verified when necessary.

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

If a user attempts to access Gemini through the main Google app, they’ll see a full-screen message prompting them to download the new Gemini app from the App Store.

Google’s decision to separate Gemini from the core app could streamline new AI features but risks losing users who won’t transition to the standalone experience.