Google has been steadily enhancing its Gemini app for Android to provide a smoother user experience. Recent updates have included a redesigned prompt bar that highlights key features like Deep Research and Canvas more effectively. However, the app has yet to be properly optimized for tablets and foldable devices, often displaying a stretched mobile layout with excessive empty space. Fortunately, this may soon be addressed, as Google appears to be working on a more polished version of Gemini tailored for larger screens.
In the latest beta version of the Google app (v16.20.48.sa.arm64), the Android Authority team managed to activate a Gemini user interface specifically designed for tablets and foldables. This new layout closely resembles the web version of Gemini, featuring a sidebar on the left that offers quick access to previous conversations.
The interface also includes handy shortcuts for starting a new chat or searching through your chat history. Users can easily hide the sidebar by tapping the hamburger menu icon, allowing for a more flexible and user-friendly experience on larger screens.
Similar to the web version, the new tablet-optimized layout for Gemini will include a dropdown menu at the top, allowing users to switch between different Gemini models. The redesigned prompt bar is also part of the update, featuring quick-access chips for functions like Video, Search, Research, and Canvas, enhancing usability on larger screens.
Gemini’s tablet layout likely won’t be available in the near future.
As foldables continue to gain traction, Gemini’s upcoming layout redesign for large-screen devices promises a significantly improved user experience. While Google frequently experiments with new features and interface updates for its app, there’s still no confirmed timeline for when the tablet- and foldable-optimized version of Gemini will be publicly released.
There’s speculation that Google may be saving this enhanced layout for the launch of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold in the coming months. Another possibility is a joint unveiling with Samsung during the debut of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in early July.
Beyond the layout overhaul, Google is also developing additional features for Gemini. One of them is a tool similar to Circle to Search, which would let users highlight and ask questions about specific areas on their screen. Additionally, the company is testing a simplified way to share parts of Gemini’s responses more seamlessly.