Google Gemini widgets now available on iPhone for enhanced AI experience

For iPhone users who feel left out of the Apple Intelligence features, which are limited to select models, Google offers a viable alternative with its Gemini app and newly launched lockscreen widgets.

Google Gemini vs. Apple Intelligence

Google has rolled out six new widgets for the Gemini app on iOS and iPadOS, providing a faster and easier way to access its artificial intelligence features directly from the lockscreen. These widgets include:

Type Prompt: Quickly type and get responses

Talk Live: Brainstorm or chat aloud with Gemini

Open Mic: Use your mic for reminders, calendar events, and more

Use Camera: Take a picture and ask Gemini for insights

Share Image: Share an image for more information or art creation

Share File: Share files for data or inspiration

These widgets make it easier for users to enjoy AI functionality even on iPhone models that do not support Apple Intelligence, unlike Apple’s native integration, which is available only on select devices like the iPhone 15 Pro series and newer models with iOS 18.

Apple Intelligence and Google's Push

While Apple’s Intelligence features were expected to roll out with iOS 18, many of these smart features have yet to appear on iPhone 16 models, especially in India. Additionally, users with older iPhone models, such as those before the iPhone 15 Pro series, are excluded from receiving Apple Intelligence.

This situation has created an opportunity for Google to step in, attempting to lure iPhone and iPad users away from Siri and other AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT. In fact, Google has been actively promoting Gemini in Apple-centric tech circles to familiarize users with the app.

The Slow Progress of Apple Intelligence

The rollout of Apple’s more advanced AI features has been sluggish. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently reported that a revamped version of Siri could still be years away. Until then, iPhone users may continue to rely on Siri and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, or perhaps even see Gemini integrated into Apple Intelligence in the future.

Google's Ongoing Push with Widgets

Since the release of iOS 16 in 2022, Google has steadily introduced several widgets on iPhones, including options like Search, Voice Search, Lens, and Maps. With the addition of these six new widgets, Google aims to provide users with even more efficient access to AI-powered tools, making it an attractive choice for those not yet equipped with Apple’s intelligence features.

The introduction of these Gemini widgets on iOS is one of Google's ongoing efforts to compete with Apple’s ecosystem while providing iPhone and iPad users a more versatile and comprehensive AI experience.