Gemini is now a native macOS app, making it faster and better integrated than ever

Gemini is now a native macOS app, so you can use Google’s AI chatbot right from your desktop without opening a browser
The app lets you share your screen, access local files, and launch instantly with a new Option + Space shortcut
It also supports AI image generation and video creation, with additional features unlocked through Google’s AI Pro and Ultra plans.

Google just launched a native Gemini app for Mac, so its AI chatbot is now available right on your macOS desktop without needing to launch a browser just to use it.

The new native app means Gemini now joins Claude and ChatGPT, who already have macOS apps in the Mac App Store. Gemini is free to use, but while the free limits are quite generous, especially for imaging, you’ll need to subscribe to Google’s AI Pro or Ultra packages if you need more access.

What it can do: More integrated than ever

Using Gemini as an app offers several key advantages for Mac users compared to using it in a browser. For starters, you can now share anything on your screen with Gemini, including local files, and get help with exactly what you’re viewing.

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For example, if you’re reviewing a complex document, you can simply share your window and ask, “What are the three most important takeaways here?” and it will give you an answer based on what’s on your screen.

There’s also a new keyboard shortcut, Option + Space, that you can use to open Gemini instantly. It’s a much faster way to access the chatbot without switching tabs or searching in open windows.

(Image credit: Google)

Nano Banana Imaging included

Gemini offers robust imaging capabilities with Google’s Nano Banana imaging engine, and can also create AI-generated videos thanks to built-in Google Veo 3.1.

You can download the new Gemini app now from the Mac App Store, where it is available to all users 13 and older, or from Google. A Google account and macOS 15 or higher are required.

Google says this first release of Gemini as an app is just the beginning, adding: “We’re laying the foundation for a truly personal, proactive and powerful desktop assistant, with more news to share in the coming months.”

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