Google pulls Gemini from main search app on iOS

Google is pulling its AI assistant Gemini from the main Google app for iOS devices. The move is meant to encourage users to download the standalone Gemini app instead, which would allow Google to more directly compete with other consumer-facing AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity. However, the change could also risk reducing Gemini’s reach as Google’s app is already used by millions, and many are not motivated enough to download other new mobile applications.

The tech giant alerted customers to the change via an email that warned “Gemini is no longer available in the Google app.”

The email suggested that anyone who wanted to still use Gemini on iOS download the Gemini app from the App Store. That app launched to iOS users worldwide late last year, but up until now, Gemini continued to be available within the main Google app, too.

With Gemini for iOS, people will be able to engage in voice conversations with the AI assistant through Gemini Live; connect their Google apps like Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail to Gemini; ask questions and explore topics; plan trips; get AI summaries and deep dives; create images; and more. Users can interact with Gemini via text, voice, or by using the camera.

The email also reminds users that Gemini can still make mistakes, so users should continue to double-check their responses.

Customers who want to upgrade to the paid subscription that provides access to Gemini Advanced can also do so through the iOS app, where the Google One AI Premium plan is offered as an in-app purchase.

If an iOS customer tries to access Gemini through the main Google app, they’ll see a full-screen message appear that says “Gemini now has its own app” and links to the App Store download.

It’s a risky bet on Google’s part to try to push users to download an app instead of continuing to offer the functionality within the app most already have on their phones. While it may make it easier to roll out new AI features quickly, it’s likely there will also be some drop-off in Gemini usage as some inevitably don’t make the switch.