The 2025 AI boom has impacted every smartphone manufacturer, yet practical implementations have often fallen short of the hype. Google, however, stands out with its Gemini AI, delivering impressive functionality, even on iPhones, making Siri feel like a relic of the past. The latest Gemini update deeply integrates the chatbot throughout the iPhone experience, from the lock screen to the share sheet, offering a level of accessibility Siri can’t match.
Gemini widget options for iPhone Lock Screen.
Convenience is key for smartphone AI, and Gemini’s latest update delivers. Six dedicated lock screen widgets provide access to text chat, audio mode for tasks like setting reminders, and the dynamic Gemini Live mode for natural conversations. This surpasses Siri’s functionality in two key ways.
Gemini’s Superiority Over Siri’s ChatGPT Integration
First, Siri often struggles with complex queries, requiring a cumbersome handoff to ChatGPT. This necessitates enabling ChatGPT integration in settings and activating two toggles in the Apple Intelligence dashboard.
ChatGPT controls on iPhone.
Even then, responses are condensed within a small dropdown box, lacking source citations. Detailed answers require opening the ChatGPT app.
ChatGPT providing a response after Siri.
Gemini streamlines this process. Tapping the lock screen widget directly opens the Gemini app, displaying and reading out the answer. The app provides a comprehensive breakdown with clear headings and bullet points.
Tools available for Gemini chat.
Users can access related queries, export answers as documents, create shareable links, draft emails, and modify responses in five different ways. Crucially, a single tap reveals source links via Google Search, facilitating fact-checking.
Gemini response with web link on iPhone.
Effortless File and Image Analysis
Gemini excels in file analysis, automatically integrating with Google’s Files app. Tasks like analyzing research papers, impossible for Siri and its ChatGPT integration, are effortless with Gemini. A dedicated lock screen widget allows direct file uploads for AI-powered analysis. Similarly, a “Gemini Image” widget and a dedicated camera view streamline image and visual analysis.
File analysis feature with Gemini.
Gemini image scan and response.
Unmatched Accessibility and Integration
While Gemini replacing Siri entirely remains unlikely, Apple’s own design facilitates Gemini’s accessibility. The iPhone’s Action Button can be customized to launch Gemini in text, voice, or Gemini Live mode.
Gemini quick access options in Control Center.
Gemini quick launch controls for Action Button.
Gemini’s conversational abilities, especially in Live mode, and its ability to recall previous conversations, even for free users, further enhance the user experience.
Invoking Siri on iPhone.
Gemini’s Expanding Ecosystem
While Siri’s OS-level integration hasn’t yielded significant benefits, Gemini interacts seamlessly with Google’s apps and even third-party services like Spotify, thanks to its expanding extensions system. Gemini Advanced, through the Google One AI Premium plan, offers additional perks like 2TB of cloud storage, access to Gemini 2.0 models, NotebookLM Plus, and deeper Google product integration. Features like Deep Research allow seamless export of research material to Docs and conversion to podcasts within the Google ecosystem.
Google Gemini getting work done across two services with a single prompt.
Gemini Lock Screen widget for iPhone.
Ultimately, Gemini provides superior value and accessibility compared to Siri. It’s a testament to Google’s innovation that their AI assistant outperforms Apple’s on its own platform, highlighting a shift in the AI landscape.
