Google pulls Gemini from main search app on iOS

Google removes Gemini from iOS app to boost standalone downloads, aiming to rival AI chatbots.

: Google has removed its AI assistant, Gemini, from the main iOS Google app, pushing users to download its separate app. This decision aims to increase competition with other AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. While Google hopes the move will speed up feature rollout, it risks losing users as some may not download the new app.

Google has taken a bold step by removing its AI assistant, Gemini, from the main Google app on iOS devices. The company aims to encourage users to download the standalone Gemini app to better compete with other AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.

The standalone Gemini app for iOS, released worldwide late last year, offers features like voice conversations through Gemini Live, integration with Google services, AI summarization, and more. Despite these benefits, the change might face resistance as Google’s app is widely used, and reluctance to download new apps could potentially reduce its reach.

Google communicated this shift to its users via email, urging them to download the Gemini app from the App Store for continued use. While the transition allows quicker updates and feature roll-outs, there's a notable risk of some users not transitioning to the new app, impacting Gemini’s usage.