(Image source from: Business-standard.com)

iPhone users finally have the chance to try out Google's artificial intelligence chatbot Gemini, and its official app is now available on the App Store. The update comes just days after details of the Gemini app were released on the App Store. Gemini is already available on millions of smartphones and can even be the default assistant on these devices. But in Apple's world, Gemini works like any other AI assistant, requiring user consent to perform even basic tasks. The launch of Gemini for iPhone users is a clear sign that Google is not only looking to expand into the Android ecosystem, but is also ready to work across platforms. What's surprising is that Gemini Live, the AI chatbot's voice avatar, will also be available for iPhone users starting this week. And this is where Apple needs to work together to make the new and advanced AI-powered Siri faster and available to more users. Gemini Live has proven to be a reliable option for Android users as most of the apps they use (pre-installed) are from Google. This allows you to have Gemini Assistant perform tasks available through a variety of Google apps.

But with iOS, the choice is the consumer, and if the consumer doesn't use Google Maps, YouTube, or even Gmail, the purpose of using Gemini Live is limited. Apple doesn't give Gemini access to all of its apps, which isn't surprising, but what Gemini Live does provide is the experience iPhone users have come to expect from Apple. Siri's early stages have not yet shown its true value, and what Apple showed at the iPhone 16 launch event may be the ultimate goal that will be achieved sooner rather than later. To be fair, Apple has no intention of competing with other companies in AI development, but the race to make room for an AI agent in millions of smartphones is on.