What to know

  • Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, will soon be able to access third-party apps on Android devices by default.
  • Users must manually opt out if they do not want Gemini to have this access.
  • This change could impact user privacy and app data security.
  • Google has not widely publicized this update, so many users may be unaware.

Android’s Gemini Update: What You Need to Know

If you use an Android phone, there’s a big change coming that you’ll want to pay attention to. Google’s Gemini AI assistant is about to get a lot more powerful—and potentially a lot more invasive. Soon, Gemini will be able to access third-party apps on your device by default, unless you take steps to stop it.

This update means that Gemini won’t just interact with Google’s own apps anymore. Instead, it will be able to reach into the apps you’ve downloaded from the Play Store or elsewhere, pulling information and performing actions as needed. For example, Gemini could help you book a ride, order food, or send messages through your favorite apps, all with a simple voice command.

But here’s the catch: this new level of access is being rolled out automatically. Unless you specifically opt out, Gemini will get permission to interact with your third-party apps. That raises some serious privacy questions. Many users may not be comfortable with an AI assistant having such deep access to their personal data and app activity.

What’s more, Google hasn’t made a big announcement about this change. The update is happening quietly, and if you’re not paying close attention to your settings, you might not even realize it’s happening. That’s why it’s important to check your permissions and decide whether you want Gemini to have this kind of access.

If you’d rather keep your third-party apps off-limits to Gemini, you’ll need to go into your Android settings and manually opt out. The process should be straightforward, but it does require you to take action. Otherwise, Gemini will soon be able to interact with a wide range of apps on your device, for better or worse.

As this update rolls out, keep an eye on your device notifications and settings. Make sure you’re comfortable with the permissions you’re granting—and don’t be afraid to say no if you value your privacy.