In the AI chatbot industry, being widespread is crucial. Companies are swiftly developing desktop and mobile applications for their bots, both to enhance functionality and to ensure constant visibility. Google's new Gemini app for iPhone exemplifies this trend; it was recently launched globally on the App Store. This free, straightforward app features just a chat window and your chat history. Users can interact with the bot via text, voice, or camera for answers. Essentially, it mirrors the Gemini section of the Google app or the experience on the Gemini website. The app introduces a noteworthy feature: access to Gemini Live, a mode mirroring ChatGPT’s voice capabilities. Though available on Android for weeks, this is its debut on iPhone. In brief tests, Gemini Live performed excellently, appearing in the iPhone’s Dynamic Island and lockscreen. Live is set to become universally accessible, along with future Gemini updates.

The aim of the Gemini app is to secure a spot on your homescreen and provide a feature to assign to your phone’s quick-access buttons. With a tap, you can immediately chat with the bot, a feature critical for companies striving to make bot chatting habitual for users. Similar to other non-Siri chatbots, Gemini on iPhone has notable restrictions—it cannot modify settings or access other apps. However, it can integrate with Google’s apps, which is Gemini’s significant edge. For instance, asking Gemini to play music opens YouTube Music, and requesting directions launches Google Maps. This offers a glimpse into Gemini's potential on Android and Apple's aspirations with Siri: employing AI to enhance interactivity and accessibility on your device. For this vision to succeed, widespread bot usage is essential, fueling the competition for homescreen space.