Gemini’s seamless integration with other Google apps and services is why I use it even on my iOS devices. However, iPad users didn’t get the full experience of the chatbot, as it was confined to an iPhone-sized window instead of utilizing the entire screen. Now, Google is rolling out an update for Gemini, offering a full-screen experience on the iPad.
The updated Gemini app now fully utilizes the iPad’s screen, providing a better overall experience. Additionally, there’s a new Gemini widget that allows you to quickly perform actions like inquiring about an image, attaching files, or jumping into Gemini Live. Furthermore, the AI can now connect with your Google Photos library on the device, enabling you to ask questions about your images.
I tried it out on the iPad, and it still feels like a stretched-out version of the iPhone app. When you tap on a previous conversation, it slides up to a completely different page, just like on the iPhone. Considering the larger screen space, I would have preferred the Chats panel to slide out from the left, similar to the desktop version.
The new Gemini update is rolling out to all iPad users, so if you haven’t received it yet, try updating the app to the latest version. I appreciate that Google isn’t gatekeeping their AI and is making an effort to cater to various price categories on Apple devices. However, there’s still work to be done, and I hope a more optimized UI is on the way soon.
