Google Launches Dedicated Gemini App for iPad with Enhanced Features

Google has officially launched the Gemini app specifically designed for iPad, now available for download worldwide in regions that support the Gemini service. Before the release of iPadOS, iPad users could only access Gemini through the iOS app in compatibility mode, which restricted full utilization of iPad-specific features like split-screen multitasking and optimized interface scaling.

The newly introduced standalone iPad app addresses these limitations by providing native support for iPad functionalities, including split-screen multitasking, integration with widgets, and Google Photos. A standout feature, "Gemini Live," enables users to engage in natural real-time conversations in over 45 languages.

Through this latest application, users can now take advantage of the "Deep Research" tool, helping them efficiently gather and synthesize information to streamline the research process. The app also introduces an "Audio Overview" function, capable of processing and summarizing audio files to make auditory content more comprehensible.

Additionally, the "Canvas" feature provides a collaborative space for co-creating and editing documents and code, integrated with AI assistance to boost productivity. Users are also able to generate images and videos directly on their iPads.

Notably, Google did not simultaneously roll out the Gemini app across all devices (such as Android, iOS, and iPad). The Android version was launched in May 2024, followed by the iOS app in November 2024. In February 2025, under the leadership of Sundar Pichai, the company removed its AI assistant Gemini from the main Google app on iOS devices, directing iPhone users to download the standalone Gemini app from the Apple App Store.

This launch coincides with last week’s Department of Justice antitrust trial where Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that the company is nearing an agreement with Apple. This deal aims to integrate Google's Gemini AI into the iPhone ecosystem, enhancing its presence on Apple devices.

Amidst these developments, Google's AI assistant Gemini is encountering significant controversies and challenges. For instance, the chatbot labeled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "fascist" when responding to politically sensitive prompts, which was viewed as biased. Following recommendations issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to address growing concerns about AI-generated content, the company issued an apology. Nevertheless, reports suggest that the tech giant plans to expand the use of its Gemini AI chatbot to children under the age of 13, despite recent controversies involving Meta and ChatGPT related to minors.

As of April 2025, Gemini AI boasts 350 million monthly active users, though it still lags behind key competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Meta AI. In the generative AI space (primarily chatbots), ChatGPT leads the market with over 650 million monthly active users, while Meta AI (integrated into platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) has reached approximately 500 million monthly active users.