Google Overhauls Gemini App with Pulsating Design, Rolling Out First on iOS

Key facts

• Google has begun rolling out a full redesign of the Gemini app for iOS, with Android and desktop web versions still in testing.
• The new homepage features a pulsating gradient background and a centered greeting: 'Hi [name], what’s on your mind?'
• A redesigned plus (+) button opens a bottom sheet with a carousel for Photos, Camera, recent images, Files, Notebooks, and 'More uploads'.
• Tools are listed below with descriptions: Images, Videos, Music, Canvas, Deep research, and Guided learning.
• The model picker has moved back to the top-left corner as a dropdown menu, and the account switcher now sits at the bottom of the navigation drawer.
• On iOS, the redesign heavily leverages Liquid Glass design elements with semi-transparent components.
• Users on Reddit have shared images of the updated interface, confirming the changes are live for some iOS users.
• Google has not provided a detailed schedule for when the redesign will reach Android devices.

A Visual Overhaul for Google’s AI Assistant

Google has started rolling out a sweeping redesign of its Gemini app, beginning with iOS users. The update transforms nearly every part of the user interface, introducing a pulsating gradient background, a pill-shaped prompt box, and a reorganized tool menu. Early adopters on Reddit have posted screenshots showing the new look, which marks the most significant visual change since the app’s launch. The redesign has been in development for several months, and Google is now testing it on Android and desktop web as well. However, the company has not confirmed a timeline for when those versions will receive the update. For now, the new interface is exclusive to a limited number of iOS users, with a broader rollout expected in the coming weeks.

New Homepage and Prompt Experience

The most striking change is the homepage, which now features a colorful, animated background with a gradient effect that pulses subtly. The greeting has been updated to “Hi [name], what’s on your mind?” and is centered above the prompt box, with the Gemini spark icon just above it. The prompt box itself has been redesigned as a pill-shaped field, with voice input and Gemini Live buttons positioned to the right. When a user enters a prompt, the gradient background is fully leveraged, creating a visually immersive effect. The company says the design aims to make interactions feel more dynamic and engaging. The model picker has returned to the top-left corner as a dropdown menu, a reversal from its previous placement, and the icon set has been updated with thin, rounded outlines.

Expanded Tool Menu and Bottom Sheet

The plus (+) button, previously a simple shortcut, now opens a bottom sheet with a carousel that allows users to launch Photos, Camera, and view recent images. Below the carousel, users can find Files, Notebooks, and a “More uploads” option that integrates with NotebookLM resources. A list of tools appears with descriptions: Images, Videos, Music, Canvas, Deep research, and Guided learning. This unified approach consolidates access to Gemini’s capabilities, making it easier to switch between different types of inputs. On iOS, the bottom sheet and other interface elements incorporate Liquid Glass design, featuring semi-transparent components that give the app a modern, sleek appearance.

Chat Interface and Navigation Changes

Within chat threads, Google has moved the “See thinking steps” option to the overflow menu, and the thought process now appears as a bottom sheet rather than inline. This change declutters the chat view while still providing transparency into the AI’s reasoning. The temporary chat button remains accessible across the interface. In a notable departure from Google’s usual design conventions, the account switcher has been moved to the bottom of the navigation drawer. This shift places the user profile in a less prominent position, emphasizing the app’s functionality over account management. The navigation drawer itself has been streamlined, with a focus on the core chat experience.

iOS Exclusivity and Android Uncertainty

The redesign is currently limited to iOS, with reports emerging over the past day from users who have received the update. Google has been testing the same unified interface on Android and desktop web, but those versions remain in development. The company has not announced a release date for Android, leaving users of the world’s most popular mobile operating system in a waiting game. This pattern of iOS-first releases for Google apps has become familiar, as the company often uses Apple’s platform to debut major design changes before bringing them to Android. The faster update cycle on iOS, combined with a more controlled ecosystem, allows Google to refine the experience before a broader rollout.

Broader Implications for Google’s AI Strategy

The Gemini redesign signals Google’s commitment to making its AI assistant a central part of the mobile experience. By overhauling the interface with a focus on visual appeal and ease of access, the company aims to compete with other AI chatbots that have gained popularity. The inclusion of tools like Deep research and Guided learning suggests Google is positioning Gemini as more than a simple conversational agent, but as a productivity platform. The pulsating gradient background and Liquid Glass elements on iOS also indicate a shift toward more expressive, animated interfaces that could influence the design of other Google products. As the rollout expands, user feedback will likely shape further refinements, particularly for the Android version, which may need to account for a wider range of device configurations.

What Comes Next

For now, iOS users with access to the redesign can explore the new features, while Android users must wait for Google to finalize its plans. The company has not provided a detailed schedule, but given the advanced state of testing on Android and desktop web, a release in the coming months seems plausible. The limited rollout on iOS suggests Google is gathering data and iterating before a wider launch. As the AI landscape evolves, the Gemini redesign represents a bet on the importance of user experience in differentiating AI assistants. Whether the pulsating gradients and reorganized menus will win over users remains to be seen, but the update marks a clear step forward in Google’s efforts to make Gemini a daily tool for millions.

The bottom line

• Google’s Gemini app redesign introduces a pulsating gradient background, pill-shaped prompt box, and expanded tool menu, first on iOS.
• The new bottom sheet consolidates access to Photos, Camera, Files, Notebooks, and tools like Deep research and Guided learning.
• The model picker returns to the top-left dropdown, and the account switcher moves to the bottom of the navigation drawer.
• Android and desktop web versions are in testing but have no confirmed release date.
• iOS users see Liquid Glass design elements with semi-transparent components.
• The redesign reflects Google’s push to make Gemini a visually engaging, all-in-one AI platform.