Google Drive Mobile Apps Gain Superpowers with Gemini AI, But There’s a Catch

Scrolling endlessly through documents, switching between files, and piecing together details manually has long been the hidden frustration of Google Drive users. Now, Google is changing that with Gemini, its powerful AI assistant, which has officially rolled out to the Drive apps on Android and iOS. The update promises to transform the way people work on mobile, making Drive faster, smarter, and far more intuitive.

From Web to Mobile

Until recently, Gemini collaboration tools were available only on the web version of Google Drive. That meant mobile users missed out on AI-powered features like summarizing files, pulling quick facts, or synthesizing information across folders. But recently, Gemini is officially landing on the Drive mobile apps, bringing the full suite of features to Android and iOS.

What Gemini Can Do in Drive

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On mobile, Gemini acts like a personal assistant that sits inside the app, ready to handle the heavy lifting. Users can:

• Summarize files or entire folders into quick overviews.
• Pull insights from multiple documents without opening them one by one.
• Discuss topics or projects by asking questions directly in Drive.
• Highlight progress updates across related files, cutting down the time spent digging through edits.
• Work with images by summarizing or answering questions about them.

Earlier this year, Google added support for video summarization and a “Catch me up” feature that highlights edits and comments since you last opened a file.

Easy Access, Seamless Integration

Google has designed Gemini to be easy to find within the Drive app. A new “Ask Gemini” button sits at the top right, while options like “Summarize this file” appear at the bottom of document viewers. Users can also find Gemini in overflow menus. Tapping any of these opens a chat-style window at the bottom of the screen where you can type queries or select from suggested prompts.

This integration mirrors the functionality already available on the web but adapts it for smaller screens, ensuring that mobile users get the same efficiency and power without feeling overwhelmed.

The Catch

The rollout will take up to 15 days to reach all users but here’s the catch, as with most Google Workspace tools, access depends on subscription plans. Eligible tiers include Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Google AI Pro for Education, and Google One AI Premium. Free personal accounts won’t get Gemini for now.

Part of a Bigger Plan

Gemini’s arrival in Drive is part of Google’s larger push to weave AI across its Workspace ecosystem. Drive now joins Gmail, Docs, and Slides, where Gemini already helps with drafting, editing, and organizing. The move also underscores how central Drive has become to both personal and professional life, storing everything from school projects to corporate records. By putting AI inside the mobile app, Google is making it easier to access, organize, and understand that information anywhere.