iPhone users can now access Google Gemini faster than ever

Google Gemini users can now access the AI chatbot directly from their iPhone’s lock screen, following an update released on Monday, as initially reported by 9to5Google. This update allows users to call up Gemini Live, Google’s real-time voice feature, before unlocking their phones by adding a Gemini widget to their lock screens.

As Apple’s AI-enabled Siri reportedly faces development delays until 2027, competitors are stepping in to provide iPhone users with alternative AI assistants. These features offer iPhone users a preview of the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) and voice assistants, although Apple’s future LLM-powered Siri may be more seamlessly integrated with the iPhone’s functions upon release.

Besides the Gemini Live feature, the updated Gemini app includes several additional lock screen widgets. These are designed for various tasks: taking pictures using the iPhone camera and uploading them to Gemini; setting reminders and calendar events; and enabling direct access to text chats with Gemini.

Google also announced that later in March, Gemini users on Android will be able to ask the AI chatbot questions about video and onscreen content, receiving real-time answers. These features, originating from Project Astra—Google DeepMind’s multimodal AI initiative—will initially be available to subscribers of the $20-per-month Gemini Advanced plan.

The Gemini iPhone app now features six circular lock screen widgets:

• Type prompt: Stuck on a question? Type anything right away.
• Talk Live: Talk things through or brainstorm aloud with Gemini.
• Open mic: Quickly open your mic to set reminders, create calendar events, and more.
• Use camera: Take a photo of what’s in front of you and ask Gemini all about it.
• Share image: Select an image for more information, to create new art, or to start a chat.
• Share file: Use a file to share information or inspiration behind a question.

The main shortcut opens the app and keyboard to start typing a prompt, and users can now launch Gemini Live directly, streamlining this previously two-step process. The Open mic function allows users to enter text prompts via voice, and the camera feature can be launched instantly. The last two shortcuts provide quick access to image or file pickers. Users can customize any of these six shortcuts to appear as corner buttons on their lock screens or within the Control Center.

This strategic move by Google aims to position Gemini as a strong competitor to Apple’s Siri and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, especially amid Siri’s developmental challenges. Version 1.2025.0762303 of the Gemini app is currently rolling out via the App Store, with release notes highlighting recent launches such as the ability to share text, images, and links directly to Gemini from any app, the introduction of Deep Research in Gemini Advanced, and various UI improvements and bug fixes.

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The introduction of these widgets aligns with a series of updates intended to integrate Gemini more deeply into the iOS ecosystem. Launched as a standalone app for iOS last November, this version allows users to interact with the AI assistant without needing the main Google app. The standalone app features a straightforward interface, a chat window, and a history of previous interactions, allowing input via text, voice, and camera.

The launch of iOS 18 further enhanced the Google Search widget, introducing customizable shortcuts, with one allowing users to access Gemini directly from the home screen.

Reports indicate that Apple is making slow progress in advancing Siri’s capabilities, with a comprehensive overhaul potentially years away. Google’s enhancements to Gemini’s accessibility and functionality on iOS signal the company’s intention to attract users seeking a reliable alternative AI assistant.

Featured image credit: Google