Google’s Gemini AI Now Available on Millions of Older Android Phones

Google has expanded the reach of its Gemini AI technology to millions of older Android phones. Initially launched for Android 12 and up, the latest version of the Gemini for Android app, v1.0.626720042, is now available on the Play Store for devices running Android 10 and Android 11. This move opens up access to Google’s latest AI enhancements for a significant portion of the global Android install base, with Android 10 and 11 currently accounting for 8.82% and 16.57% of devices, respectively.

Tests conducted by Artem Russakovskii from Android Police and 9To5Google confirm that Gemini works smoothly on phones running Android 10 and 11, offering a functional experience comparable to newer handsets. This development is particularly noteworthy as it extends the reach of AI capabilities to devices that are still widely used.

The expansion of Gemini to older devices could also benefit users of older Pixel phones and other Android brands, raising the possibility of additional AI-powered features becoming available to a broader range of handsets. Google’s support page for Gemini specifies that devices running the app should have at least 4GB of RAM, a requirement met by many devices in use today. It remains to be seen how Google will further develop Gemini and related tools for devices across the Android ecosystem.

Google’s move follows Samsung’s recent announcement of AI updates for its older Galaxy S23 and S22 series, bringing features like Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, and generative image editing to these devices. This trend of updating older devices with headline AI tools reflects a broader industry shift towards extending the lifespan and functionality of existing hardware.

Google has yet to officially confirm the Gemini update, but it is anticipated that more details will be revealed at the upcoming I/O Conference. This event is expected to feature a range of announcements related to Gemini and other Google AI initiatives, building on Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s declaration of the “Gemini Era” earlier this year.