Triggering Google Gemini to talk on Android is simple. Just swipe up from the bottom corners to access it and it works even from the lock screen. However, talking to Gemini on iPhone isn’t as straightforward or seamless. You had to unlock the phone, open the Gemini app, and trigger the voice mode. However, with the new update to the Gemini app, now you can talk to Gemini with just a single tap even on an iPhone. Here’s how.
The latest update to the Gemini app introduces several lock screen widgets. One of them is Gemini Live which lets you chat with Google’s AI in real time by simply tapping a widget. This is especially handy if you often find yourself needing quick answers or want to brainstorm ideas on the go.
The new Gemini widgets don’t stop there. You can also add shortcuts for typing a prompt, setting reminders, taking pictures to Gemini, and sharing files or images directly with the AI. All these options are available as small, circular widgets that you can place on your lock screen. Since they’re tiny, you could technically add all six widgets if you want all the options at your fingertips.
How to Add Google Gemini Widgets to Your iPhone Lock Screen
- Make sure your Google Gemini app is updated to the latest version.
- Long press on your iPhone lock screen and select Customize.
- Choose the Lock Screen option to start editing.
- Select the widget area you want to customize (below the date/time or on the sides).
- Scroll through the widget options and choose any of the six Gemini widgets.
- Tap Done to save your changes.
With everything from quick voice access to sharing images or files, these new widgets make using Google Gemini on an iPhone faster and more convenient. So if you haven’t tried it yet, now is the perfect time to give it a go.
This update also comes at a time when Apple’s own AI-enabled Siri is facing delays until 2027, giving Google a prime opportunity to capture the attention of iPhone users looking for advanced AI features. And if you’ve tried ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode, you’ll find Gemini Live just as seamless, with the added benefit of being accessible directly from the lock screen.
Beyond iOS, Google is also planning more features for its Android app later this month. Soon, Android users will be able to ask Gemini questions about videos and on-screen content, getting real-time answers through features introduced as part of Google DeepMind’s Project Astra. These features will initially be available to those on the $20-a-month Gemini Advanced plan, but there’s no word yet on when or if they’ll come to iOS.
