I installed Google Gemini on my iPhone. Here’s why I won’t return to using Siri.

      In 2025, the AI craze has captivated every smartphone manufacturer. Unfortunately, not all developments have been as groundbreaking as showcased during presentations. However, some have excelled at implementing practical AI features. Google is among those leading the charge, even on iPhones, making Siri appear outdated. The latest version of Google's Gemini app for iPhones integrates the AI chatbot across Apple's devices, from the lock screen to the share sheet.

      This level of integration is significant, even if Apple would likely never allow Siri to be replaced by Google's option on an iPhone 16 Pro. Currently, Siri's situation is so poor that its anticipated AI enhancement might not be ready until 2027. In the meantime, it's resorting to a cumbersome collaboration with ChatGPT for complex queries it cannot manage.

      Enter the newest version of Google Gemini on the iPhone. After months of being available, fully replacing Google Assistant, Gemini has reached a state where I no longer feel the need to seek alternatives. For instance, I can directly upload files or links from the lock screen or share content from any app directly into Gemini.

      Exceeding Siri's capabilities

      For anyone with a smartphone, convenience is paramount in utilizing an AI tool. With the latest app update, I can access Gemini from the lock screen and in six different formats through dedicated widgets.

      I can initiate text chats, activate the audio mode for simple tasks like setting reminders, or use the impressive Gemini Live mode for fluid conversations. These widgets outperform Siri for two main reasons.

      First, if I ask Siri something like “tell me about the light speed paradox,” it won't be able to provide an answer due to its limitations. Instead, it prompts me to see if ChatGPT can take over, creating unnecessary friction.

      Additionally, Siri will only prompt me to enable ChatGPT integration if I've previously turned it on in the settings app, adding another layer of friction. To complete this setup, I must toggle two separate options in the Apple Intelligence dashboard.

      Even with ChatGPT ready, there’s another inconvenience: the response is an extremely brief version displayed in a small dropdown box, and I can't see the sources from which the information was obtained. If I want a more in-depth answer, I need to open the ChatGPT app.

      With Gemini, the process is straightforward. I can tap either the chat or voice mode widget on the lock screen and ask my question. Once in the app, the answer is compiled and read aloud to me (if I opted for voice instead of text chat). The Gemini app provides a much more detailed breakdown of answers, with clear headings and easy-to-read bullet points. This interactive experience is enhanced with numerous useful controls.

      With a simple tap, I can find related queries from other users on Google Search, export lengthy answers as a Doc file, generate a shareable link, create a Gmail draft, and modify the response in five different ways. I prefer concise answers, so I often choose that option. As a journalist, research and fact-checking are critical to my work, and relying on the Siri-ChatGPT connection doesn't provide that capability.

      However, launching Gemini from the lock screen allows me to check the sources of the chatbot’s information directly via a Google Search result interface.

      Effortless file analysis

      Gemini's file analysis features are incredibly useful, especially if you depend on Google’s Files app, which automatically activates. While using Siri, I often hit software limitations when I simply needed an AI assistant to simplify tasks.

      For instance, if I want the AI to summarize a 50-page research paper, Siri cannot do this. Even with ChatGPT integration enabled, once activated, there’s no option to upload any files. I’m left with merely a text box or a microphone for voice interaction. To complete the task, I must launch the ChatGPT app every time I need its multimodal help.

      With Gemini, I just tap a button on the lock screen and go straight to the file selection window. After uploading the file, I can enter my query and have the AI summarize or retrieve information for me. If I need to analyze an image or screenshot, there’s also a specific “Gemini Image” widget on the lock screen for that.

      Moreover, there’s a dedicated camera view for Gemini. Similar to Visual Intelligence, I only need to tap the Widget on the lock screen and access the camera view. A quick shutter click later, and Gemini is prepared to analyze and answer questions based on what the camera captured.

      On the iPhone, Visual Intelligence can be launched with a long press of the new Camera Control button. On older models, I need to customize the Action Button to launch it or tap the Visual Intelligence icon in the Control Center. Once again, Gemini provides more flexibility than Siri or Apple Intelligence, offering six shortcuts in the Control Center, matching those available for the lock screen widgets. This adaptability is beneficial for managing screen space.

      Easy access is assured

      I recently spoke with Apple expert