Google has launched Gemini AI integration in Chrome for iPhone and iPad users, months after desktop users got access to the AI-powered browsing features. The rollout puts Google’s chatbot directly in Safari’s biggest competitor on iOS devices.
iPhone Users Get Direct Access to Gemini Through Chrome Browser
The new integration appears as a redesigned icon in Chrome’s address bar. iPhone and iPad users now see a notebook page symbol with Gemini’s signature star logo instead of the previous Google Lens camera icon. Tapping this icon opens two options: traditional screen search through Lens and the new “Ask Gemini” feature.
Users can ask Gemini questions about any webpage they’re viewing without switching apps or opening new tabs. The AI assistant responds in a floating window that keeps the original webpage visible in the background.
Chrome iOS Integration Offers Quick Page Analysis and Learning Tools
The Gemini integration includes several preset functions designed for mobile browsing. Users can tap “Summarize page” to get key takeaways from long articles or complex topics. Another option creates FAQ sections based on the current page and similar content across the web.
Beyond these shortcuts, users can type custom requests. Examples include explaining difficult concepts in simpler terms, testing knowledge on new subjects, modifying recipes for dietary restrictions, or comparing information to make informed decisions.
Limited Availability Restricts Feature to English-Speaking US Users
Google applies several restrictions to the iOS rollout. Users must sign into Chrome with their Google account, and the feature only works when the browser language is set to English. The integration doesn’t function in Incognito mode, limiting its use for private browsing sessions.
Currently, only users aged 18 and older in the United States can access Gemini in Chrome on iOS. Google’s support documentation warns that the feature is “rolling out to users over time” and may not appear immediately for all eligible users.
Desktop Users Gained Similar Features Three Months Earlier
Google first introduced Gemini integration for Chrome desktop users in September 2024, giving Windows and Mac users a three-month head start on AI-powered browsing. The desktop version includes additional capabilities like multi-tab understanding and more advanced task automation that aren’t yet available on mobile devices.
The rollout follows Google’s typical approach for major Chrome features. Desktop users often receive new capabilities first, followed by Android users, with iOS users getting access last due to Apple’s App Store review processes and development complexities.
Chrome iOS Update Also Adds Biometric Payment Options
The Chrome 143 update for iOS includes more than just Gemini integration. Users can now complete online purchases using Face ID or Touch ID instead of entering credit card security codes. The update also adds helpful tips on the new tab page and includes stability improvements.
Google positions these features as part of Chrome’s broader AI integration strategy. The company continues expanding Gemini’s presence across its product ecosystem, competing directly with Apple’s own AI initiatives planned for Safari and other native iOS apps.
Mobile AI Assistant Competition Intensifies on iOS Platform
The Chrome integration puts Google’s AI assistant directly on iOS devices, where Apple restricts default browser changes. iPhone users who prefer Chrome over Safari now get AI assistance without switching to Google’s standalone Gemini app or using Apple’s upcoming AI features.
This development highlights the growing competition between tech giants for AI dominance on mobile platforms. Google bypasses iOS restrictions by embedding AI capabilities directly into its existing Chrome browser rather than requiring separate app installations or system-level integrations.
