Google launches new Gemini app on iPhone with Gemini Live

After being part of the Google (Search) application since February, Gemini is now its own standalone app on the iPhone.

As such, there is now a Gemini icon on your iPhone’s homescreen instead of needing to open the Google app and switching tabs, or using the Search widget shortcut.

Meanwhile, the Gemini UI on iOS now matches the Android experience with a spartan homescreen that features a “Hello” greeting and is somewhat reminiscent of Google Search’s simplicity. You can access your “Chats & Gems” conversation history in the top-left corner, while the text field below has also been simplified to “Ask Gemini.”

Google pitches the app as a study guide and image generator with the Imagen 3, while you can take pictures and attach it to your prompt. Gemini Extensions allow you to access data from YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, Calendar, and other first-party services. 

This app notably brings Gemini Live to the iPhone after debuting on Android in September. You can have a natural conversation with the ability to interrupt Gemini to ask questions or insert new information, as well as change the topic. A Live Activity lets you converse with Gemini Live while using other apps and when the iPhone is locked.

It’s great for when you want to practice for an upcoming interview, ask for advice on things to do in a new city, or brainstorm and develop creative ideas.

You also get to choose from one of 10 voices that applies to all Gemini responses. At launch, the following languages are supported: English, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

The free Google Gemini app itself is available in 35 languages worldwide starting today on the App Store. Meanwhile, Gemini will remain available in the Google app if you want to keep using that method, or the mobile web.