Google’s Gemini App to Get Optimized Interface for Samsung Foldables and Tablets
Redesign brings sidebar, model switcher, and improved navigation tailored for larger screens
Tailored UI for foldables and tablets
Google is preparing a foldable- and tablet-specific version of the Gemini app, bringing a much-needed UI refresh for devices like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Tab series.
- While the app already runs on larger screens, it currently uses a default layout not optimized for multitasking or wide displays.
- The redesign, spotted in an APK teardown by AndroidAuthority, is aimed at offering a more adaptive and functional user experience.
Sidebar and navigation enhancements
The upcoming UI overhaul introduces a dedicated sidebar, similar to what’s available in Gemini for Web, offering better conversation management and easier access to tools.
- The sidebar will allow users to quickly access past chats, with the ability to minimize it for full-screen view.
- It includes a hamburger menu, a search bar, and quick navigation buttons, making Gemini feel more like a desktop-grade assistant on large displays.
Advanced features and model switching
In addition to layout improvements, the optimized UI will let users switch between different Gemini models using a dropdown menu at the top.
- The redesigned prompt bar will incorporate chips for video, search, research, and canvas, giving users more granular control over input types and response modes.
- This update marks a step toward making Gemini a versatile productivity tool across multiple form factors.
Launch expected alongside Samsung’s new foldables
The launch of the tailored Gemini app could align with Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7 reveal in July, creating a powerful joint software-hardware showcase.
- These foldables will be the first to debut with Android 16-based One UI 8, ahead of the Galaxy S series—a shift in Samsung’s usual rollout pattern.
- The One UI 8 Beta Program is also expected to go live soon, possibly including support for the new Gemini experience.
Optimizing AI for larger screens
With foldables and tablets offering substantially more screen real estate, a default mobile UI limits their capabilities.
- This redesign promises to turn Gemini into a more capable assistant, enhancing multitasking, note-taking, and research on-the-go.
- It also signals deeper Google-Samsung collaboration, potentially influencing future AI app development across the Android ecosystem.
Google’s move to optimize Gemini for foldables and tablets isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a strategic step toward making AI-native interfaces more adaptable and usable on next-gen form factors.
