Google Gemini UI Redesign Introduces Fluid Visuals and Simplified Navigation on iOS

Google has begun rolling out a substantial visual overhaul for its Gemini chatbot app, marking a clear shift in how the company presents its AI interface to users on iOS. The update, already appearing for some, replaces the earlier, more static layout with a design that feels noticeably more fluid and visually expressive.

At first glance, the most visible change comes on the homepage. Users are now greeted with a centered prompt that reads, “Hi [name], what’s on your mind?”, paired with the Gemini spark icon. The background no longer sits quietly behind the interface. Instead, it moves with a colorful, pulsating gradient that becomes more pronounced once a conversation starts, giving the app a sense of motion that was previously absent.

Navigation within the app has also been reworked in ways that depart from familiar Google patterns. The model picker, once positioned differently, now sits in the top-left corner as a dropdown menu. Meanwhile, the account switcher has been moved to the bottom of the navigation drawer. The rearrangement suggests a broader rethink of how users move through the app, rather than a simple visual refresh.

The prompt interface has been simplified. It now appears as a pill-shaped input field, accompanied by a single “plus” button alongside voice and Gemini Live options. Selecting the plus icon opens a bottom sheet that organizes access to Photos, the Camera, and recent uploads. The layout aims to reduce clutter while keeping commonly used tools within easy reach.

Google has also consolidated its specialized features into a more structured list. Options for attaching images and videos sit alongside tools such as Deep Research and Guided Learning, each presented with brief descriptions. This approach mirrors changes already seen on desktop and Android, where the company has been working to make more advanced capabilities easier to find and understand.

On iOS, the redesign leans into what Google describes as “Liquid Glass” effects, giving elements a layered, polished appearance. Functional adjustments accompany the visual changes. The “See thinking steps” feature, for instance, has been moved out of the main conversation view and into an overflow menu. When accessed, it opens in a separate bottom sheet, keeping the primary chat interface less crowded.

The update reflects a broader effort to refine how users interact with Gemini, balancing visual identity with practical usability. For now, the rollout remains gradual, with the new interface appearing only for a portion of users.

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As Google continues to adjust its AI offerings, the redesign signals an ongoing focus on presentation and accessibility, rather than introducing entirely new features.