Google is removing its AI assistant, Gemini, from the main Google app on iOS to encourage users to download the standalone Gemini app. This move aims to position Google more competitively against AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. However, it also risks limiting Gemini’s reach, as the Google app already has millions of users, many of whom may be reluctant to install a separate app.

Figure 1. Google Drops Gemini from Main Search App on iOS.

The new Gemini iOS app supports text-based prompts in 35 languages and offers conversational interactions via its Gemini Live feature in 12 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Google plans to expand support for more languages in the future. Figure 1 shows Google Drops Gemini from Main Search App on iOS.

While features like recipe suggestions and study assistance were already available through the Google app and mobile web, Gemini Live is a newly introduced feature in the native iOS app.

Google notified users of the change via an email stating, “Gemini is no longer available in the Google app.” The email encouraged iOS users to download the standalone Gemini app from the App Store, which launched globally late last year but had coexisted with Gemini’s presence in the main Google app until now.

With Gemini for iOS, users can engage in voice conversations through Gemini Live, integrate Google services like Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail, explore topics, plan trips, generate AI summaries, create images, and more. Interaction options include text, voice, and camera input.

The email also reminded users that Gemini may still produce errors, advising them to double-check responses. Additionally, those interested in upgrading to Gemini Advanced can subscribe to the Google One AI Premium plan via in-app purchase.

If an iOS user attempts to access Gemini through the main Google app, they will see a full-screen message stating, “Gemini now has its own app,” along with a link to download it from the App Store.

Google is taking a risky gamble by pushing users to download a separate app rather than keeping Gemini within the widely used Google app. While this approach may allow for faster deployment of new AI features, it also risks a decline in Gemini’s usage, as some users may not bother to make the switch.

Transition from the Google App

Google notified users via email that Gemini is no longer available in the main search app. If a user attempts to access Gemini from the Google app, they will see a full-screen message directing them to download the standalone Gemini app from the App Store.

Potential Risks of the Change

While this transition may help Google roll out new AI features more quickly, it also poses a risk—some users may be reluctant to download another app, potentially leading to a drop in Gemini’s overall usage.

Key Features of the Gemini iOS App:

1. Multi-Language Support
• Supports text-based prompts in 35 languages.
• The Gemini Live feature allows real-time voice conversations in 12 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Portuguese, Arabic, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
2. Conversational AI
• Users can chat with Gemini via text, voice, or camera input.
• Gemini Live enables a more interactive voice-based experience.
3. Integration with Google Services
• Connects with Google Search, YouTube, Maps, and Gmail to provide a more seamless AI experience.
4. AI-Powered Assistance
• Users can ask questions, explore topics, plan trips, and generate AI summaries and deep dives.
• Gemini can suggest recipes, assist with studies, and provide general knowledge responses.
• AI-powered image creation is also supported.
5. Google One AI Premium Plan
• Users can subscribe to Gemini Advanced through the app via the Google One AI Premium plan, which unlocks more powerful AI features.

Reference:

1. https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/19/google-pulls-gemini-from-main-search-app-on-ios/
2. https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/14/google-launches-gemini-app-for-ios-worldwide/

Cite this article:

Priyadharshini S (2025),Google Removes Gemini from The Main Search App On iOS", AnaTechMaz, pp. 225