Google brings Gemini widgets to iPhone to seize on Siri’s weaknesses

Gemini app on iPhone.
Shubham Kumar
By Shubham KumarWriter

Gemini app on iPhone.

Google has introduced Gemini widgets for iPhone and iPad to position its AI assistant as a strong contender for Apple's Siri.

This technique takes advantage of Siri's slow progress towards becoming a more powerful AI assistant, as Apple's major Siri overhaul is expected to take years.

With this update, Google aims to make Gemini the first choice for iOS users who want a more versatile AI assistant.

Gemini Prompt
expand image
Credit: Google
Gemini voice dictation.

The latest update to the Gemini app for iOS and iPadOS brings six new lock screen widgets, allowing easy access to Gemini's capabilities directly from their home or lock screens. The widgets allow users to:

  1. Type Prompt: Instantly type a question or command.
  2. Talk Live: Engage in real-time voice conversations with Gemini.
  3. Open Mic: Quickly activate the mic to set reminders, create calendar events, and more.
  4. Use Camera: Capture images and ask Gemini questions based on them.
  5. Share Image: Select an image to generate insights or creative prompts.
  6. Share File: Upload files to provide context for queries.

These widgets can be customized as shortcuts on the lock screen or placed within the Control Center, allowing seamless interaction with Gemini. By incorporating these functionalities into iOS, Google is clearly attempting to lure users away from Siri and OpenAI's ChatGPT, which has been gaining traction among iPhone users seeking advanced AI interactions.

Gemini different voice
expand image
Credit: Google
Gemini voice chat.

Google's strategy goes beyond widgets. The tech giant has been actively promoting Gemini on Apple-centric tech podcasts and media outlets.

Releasing a standalone Gemini app for iOS in November 2024 was a huge step forward in making the AI assistant accessible outside the Google search app. With Apple's AI breakthroughs moving slowly, Google is grabbing the chance to establish Gemini as a familiar and reliable assistant for iPhone and iPad users.

As the race for AI assistants heats up, Google's proactive integration of Gemini into the iOS ecosystem highlights its desire to become the preferred AI assistant.

By offering more intuitive and immediate AI interactions, Google is setting the stage for Gemini to become a key player in the growing ecosystem of AI-powered virtual assistants.