iPhone users no longer need to unlock their devices to chat with Google’s AI. The tech giant just released an update letting you access Gemini Live and other tools directly from your lock screen. Here is what you need to know.
Gemini Live Arrives on iPhone Lock Screen
A new widget for Google’s Gemini app allows instant access to Gemini Live, the AI’s voice chat feature, without unlocking your iPhone. Simply add the widget to your lock screen, tap it, and start speaking. The move comes as Apple’s AI-powered Siri remains delayed until 2027, leaving room for rivals like Google and OpenAI to fill the gap.
ChatGPT’s iOS app already offers similar lock screen access to its Advanced Voice Mode, but Gemini’s update includes additional tools.
More Lock Screen Widgets for Everyday Tasks
Beyond voice chats, the Gemini update introduces three new widgets:
- Camera Upload: Snap photos and send them to Gemini for analysis.
- Reminders & Calendar: Quickly set events or tasks.
- Text Chat: Start a typed conversation immediately.
According to TechCrunch, these widgets are focused on making the interaction less cumbersome, making it unnecessary to unlock the mobile device for basic AI interactions.
Android Gets Smarter With Project Astra Features
Google also presented the new updates coming to Android for subscribers of Gemini Advanced, which cost $20 a month. Starting from the second half of March, users will be able to ask Gemini questions regarding videos or content on the screen in real time.
While iPhone users get lock screen tools, Android’s update focuses on deeper AI integration with on-screen content.
Why This Matters for iPhone Users
With Siri’s AI overhaul years away, third-party apps like Gemini and ChatGPT are stepping in. Though less integrated than Siri will eventually be, these tools offer a glimpse into AI’s potential for hands-free help. Google’s push into lock screen access could pressure Apple to accelerate its AI plans.
How to Try Gemini’s New Features
- Update the Gemini app on your iPhone.
- Long-press your lock screen and tap “Customize.”
- Add the Gemini widget of your choice.
Note: Gemini Advanced’s video analysis tools require a subscription and will roll out to Android first.
End Note
Gemini can be used for quick tasks thanks to Google’s lock screen widgets, while Project Astra is suggestive of a future when AI will be able to process images and sounds. iPhone users, for now, have a simple solution while waiting for Apple to sort out their Siri update issues.
