In a significant update that enhances the accessibility of artificial intelligence on mobile devices, Google has rolled out a new feature that allows iPhone users to interact with its AI chatbot, Google Gemini, directly from the lock screen. This development, first reported by 9to5Google, introduces Gemini Live—a real-time voice feature that's part of Google's broader strategy to integrate more deeply with iOS devices.
Bridging the AI Assistant Gap on iPhones
As Apple reportedly pushes the enhancement of its own AI-powered assistant, Siri, to 2027, Google is seizing the opportunity to cater to iPhone users eager for advanced AI functionalities today. The new Gemini widget enables users to engage with Gemini Live without the need to unlock their phones, providing instant access to a powerful voice assistant right from their lock screen. "Users can now call up Gemini Live, Google’s relatively real-time voice feature for its AI chatbot, before they unlock their phone by adding a Gemini widget to their lock screen," explains the update from 9to5Google.Expanding Functionality Beyond Voice Commands
The update isn't just about voice interactions. Google has also introduced several other lock screen widgets for the Gemini app, enhancing the utility and flexibility of iPhones in everyday use. These widgets include options for quickly taking pictures and uploading them directly to Gemini, setting reminders, managing calendar events, and initiating text chats with the AI.
Competing in the AI Space
The launch of lock screen access for Gemini on iOS is part of a larger trend where tech giants are rapidly expanding their AI offerings on mobile platforms. OpenAI's ChatGPT app for iOS also supports a similar feature called Advanced Voice Mode, which allows users to interact with the AI from the iPhone’s lock screen, highlighting the growing competition among AI services to provide real-time assistance.What’s Next for Gemini Users?
Looking ahead, Google plans to further enhance the capabilities of Gemini, particularly on Android devices. By the end of March, Android users will be able to ask the Gemini AI chatbot questions about video and on-screen content, receiving real-time responses. These upcoming features, initially part of Project Astra by Google DeepMind, will initially be available to subscribers of Google’s $20-a-month Gemini Advanced plan.