Google removes Gemini from iOS main app to independent app strategy

Google recently announced a major strategic adjustment: to completely remove its artificial intelligence assistant Gemini from the main app of the iOS version of Google, and instead promote its independent app. This decision is intended to strengthen direct competition with competitors such as ChatGPT and Claude, but it also faces the risk of user churn.

It is reported that Google has issued a notification to users via email, clearly stating that "Gemini is no longer available in Google apps." The company advises iOS users to instead download standalone Gemini apps from the App Store to continue using the AI ​​Assistant service.

The new independent application provides comprehensive functional upgrades, including Gemini Live voice conversations, deep integration with the Google ecosystem, AI summary generation, image creation and other features. Users can interact with Gemini through text, voice or cameras. In addition, users can also upgrade to the Google One AI Premium program through in-app purchases to obtain advanced features of Gemini Advanced.

However, this strategic transformation also presents significant risks. As a resident application that has been used by millions of users, Google's main application has a natural user base advantage. Forced users to download new applications may cause some users to give up using Gemini due to laziness or inconvenience, which will affect their market penetration. Although independent application strategies may help Google launch new features more quickly, whether it can successfully balance innovation with user retention remains to be tested by the market.