# Google Gemini Grows with Fresh Homescreen Widgets for iPhone
In a recent enhancement, Google has upgraded its Gemini app for iPhone by incorporating homescreen widgets, succeeding the introduction of lockscreen, Control Center, and Action Button shortcuts from the previous month. This new feature is aimed at boosting user accessibility and engagement with the app, facilitating easier access to Gemini’s capabilities directly from the homescreen.
## Snapshot of the New Widgets
The Gemini app has now unveiled two varieties of homescreen widgets, tailored to meet various user preferences and requirements.
### 1. Square Widget (2×2 Grid)
The initial widget is square, showcasing a 2×2 grid design that contains multiple interactive icons:
– **Gemini Sparkle Icon**: Positioned in the top-left corner, this icon launches the app and your keyboard. It is characterized by a subtle outline and changes hue depending on the user’s subscription level—blue/purple for free users and red for Advanced subscribers.
– **Microphone Icon**: This icon enables users to initiate a dictation prompt straight from the widget.
– **Camera Icon**: Clicking this icon opens Gemini’s viewfinder, allowing users to capture a photo and seamlessly incorporate it into their prompt.
– **Fullscreen Gemini Live Experience**: The last button grants access to the fullscreen Gemini Live experience, allowing for a more engaging interaction with the app.
### 2. Rectangular Widget
The second widget is rectangular, featuring a pill-shaped “Ask Gemini” bar, which also has a microphone icon on the right. Beneath this bar are two new action buttons:
– **System File Picker**: This button permits users to upload files directly from their device.
– **Gallery Access**: The neighboring button opens the user’s gallery, simplifying the process of selecting images for prompts.
## Aesthetics and User Interaction
The newly introduced homescreen widgets share a stylistic similarity with the Google Search app, showcasing a sleek and user-friendly design that meets user expectations. The incorporation of these widgets responds to a high demand for more accessible tools within the Gemini app.
In addition, users have shown interest in a version of the app optimized for iPad, as Android tablets already have a customized interface. This feedback underscores the increasing desire for a more adaptable and user-friendly experience across various devices.
## Rollout
The Gemini homescreen widgets are being rolled out with version 1.2025.1662203 of the app, which can be downloaded from the [App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-gemini/id6477489729). Users are encouraged to update their app to unlock these new features and enhance their engagement with Gemini.
## Final Thoughts
With the launch of homescreen widgets, Google Gemini is making significant strides in enhancing user interaction and accessibility on iPhone. The new features not only simplify app usage but also address the evolving needs of users looking for a more interconnected experience. As Google continues to innovate, it will be intriguing to observe how Gemini develops further, particularly with the prospect of an iPad-optimized app on the horizon.
For more information on Gemini and its latest offerings, check out the following articles:
– [Gemini is adding a GitHub app for coders](https://9to5google.com/2025/04/30/gemini-github-app/)
– [Google teases ‘exciting’ Gemini updates at I/O 2025, like ‘more personalized assistant’](https://9to5google.com/2025/04/29/gemini-i-o-2025-tease/)
– [Gemini app coming soon to kids, parents can manage with Family Link](https://9to5google.com/2025/04/28/gemini-app-kids/)
Stay tuned for further advancements in the realm of Google and its groundbreaking applications!
