Google's Gemini App Launches on iPad with Live AI

Google’s new Gemini app for iPad marks a significant step forward in bringing advanced AI-powered productivity tools to Apple’s tablet ecosystem. Released in early May 2025, this latest iteration of Google’s AI assistant app is optimized specifically for the iPad’s larger screen, introducing live AI features, multitasking capabilities, and deep integration with Google’s ecosystem, including Google Photos. As someone who’s followed AI’s rapid evolution, I find this launch both a reflection of Google’s renewed push into generative AI and an indicator of how AI tools are becoming indispensable across devices—not just desktops and phones, but tablets too. ### Gemini App on iPad: What’s New and Why It Matters Before this update, the Gemini app was available on iPhone but had a clunky, small-screen interface on iPads, forcing users to deal with a cramped, phone-sized window. That’s now changed. The new Gemini app finally unleashes the full potential of the iPad’s expansive display, offering a sleek, full-screen interface tailored to tablet users. This update also introduces support for split-screen multitasking—a feature iPad users love—allowing Gemini to run side-by-side with other apps, making it easier to research, brainstorm, or generate content while referencing other materials. One of the standout new features is the Gemini Home Screen widget. Users can now pin Gemini directly to their iPad’s home screen, giving one-tap access to the AI assistant. This kind of seamless accessibility is crucial for boosting productivity, as it eliminates friction in switching between tasks. The app also deepens its integration with Google Photos, allowing users to pull images directly into their conversations with Gemini. This means you can generate ideas, captions, or even create new images based on your photo library. Given how central photos are to digital communication today, this integration is a smart move. Gemini’s AI capabilities go beyond basic chat. It taps into Google’s vast data ecosystem—connecting with Search, YouTube, Gmail, and Google Maps—turning it into a research powerhouse, a creative partner, and a study assistant all in one. From generating images to brainstorming ideas or summarizing emails, Gemini is designed to be a versatile multitasking companion on the iPad. ### The Pricing and Competitive Landscape Although the base Gemini app is free, Google offers a more powerful version called Gemini Advanced, available through the Google One AI Premium subscription for $19.99 per month. This pricing is competitive with offerings from other AI leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic, who have similarly tiered plans for their advanced AI services. What’s interesting here is how Google positions Gemini not just as a chatbot but as a comprehensive AI toolkit integrated tightly with its ecosystem. This contrasts with some competitors who focus primarily on conversational AI without the same level of native app integration or multitasking features. ### Historical Context: Google’s AI Journey and Gemini’s Place Let’s rewind briefly. Google’s AI efforts have historically been trailblazing, from pioneering deep learning breakthroughs to launching models like BERT and PaLM. However, in the consumer-facing AI assistant space, Google has faced stiff competition from OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s integration of AI in Office products. Gemini represents Google’s layered approach to reclaiming ground in AI personal assistants by blending generative AI with its powerful search and media platforms. The iPad app launch signals Google’s commitment to making Gemini a device-agnostic assistant that fits naturally into various workflows, especially on devices favored by creatives, students, and professionals. ### Real-World Applications and User Experience Imagine you’re a student preparing a research paper on climate change. With the Gemini app on your iPad, you can have the AI pull the latest research from Google Search, summarize key points, and even generate annotated images or charts. Meanwhile, you can keep Google Photos open side-by-side to incorporate relevant images or diagrams seamlessly. Or take a content creator drafting social media posts. Gemini can help brainstorm catchy captions based on your photos, suggest trending hashtags, and generate AI artwork to complement your posts—all without switching devices or apps. From my perspective, the addition of multitasking and live AI capabilities on the iPad makes Gemini a genuine productivity enhancer rather than just a novelty chatbot. ### Future Implications: Gemini and the AI Ecosystem Looking ahead, Google’s Gemini app could become a central hub for AI-powered productivity across multiple devices. The integration with Google Photos hints at potential expansion into multimedia content creation and management. Moreover, as tablets become more powerful and AI capabilities more sophisticated, apps like Gemini could redefine how we interact with technology—shifting from manual input to conversational and AI-assisted workflows. Google’s investment in AI premium subscriptions also suggests a sustainable business model that balances free accessibility with premium, high-value features. This could encourage wider adoption while funding ongoing innovation. ### Comparison Table: Gemini vs. Competitors on iPad | Feature | Google Gemini (iPad) | OpenAI ChatGPT (iPad) | Microsoft Copilot (Office on iPad) | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | AI Model | Gemini Advanced (Google’s latest LLM) | GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo | GPT-4 based, integrated in Office apps | | Native App Availability | Dedicated iPad app with full optimization | Web app and third-party apps | Integrated in Microsoft Office apps | | Multitasking Support | Split-screen, home screen widget | Limited multitasking, browser-based | Full multitasking within Office suite | | Ecosystem Integration | Google Photos, Search, YouTube, Gmail | Limited to OpenAI ecosystem | Deep Office 365 integration | | Pricing | Free with $19.99/month for Advanced | Free with subscription tiers (ChatGPT Plus) | Included with Microsoft 365 subscription | | AI Image Generation | Yes, integrated | Yes, via DALL·E | Limited AI image features | ### Expert Perspectives Vered Dassa Levy, Global VP of HR at Autobrains, emphasizes the value of AI experts in building such sophisticated tools, noting the fierce competition to recruit talent skilled in GenAI and deep learning. Google’s continued AI advancements owe a lot to these experts pushing boundaries. Ido Peleg, COO at Stampli, highlights the creativity and trial-and-error approach AI researchers take, which is evident in the iterative improvements Google has made to Gemini since its launch. ### Conclusion: Why Gemini on iPad Is a Big Deal Google’s Gemini app on iPad is more than just a new app release; it’s a milestone in the evolution of AI assistants tailored for productivity and creativity on tablets. With live AI features, multitasking, and deep Google integration, Gemini transforms the iPad into a smarter, more versatile companion. As AI continues to weave deeper into our digital lives, tools like Gemini will shape how we work, create, and communicate—making AI not just a back-end technology but a front-and-center partner. If you’re an iPad user looking to harness AI’s power, Gemini is a compelling option that’s only going to get better. **