Google could potentially be developing a novel Gemini UI, designed specifically for optimal use on tablets.
In a recent development, Android Authority managed to unlock a tablet-friendly Gemini layout in the latest Google app beta (v16.20.48.sa.arm64). This new layout is expected to make Gemini more user-friendly on tablets and foldables, as it resembles the web version and features a left-hand sidebar for past chats.
The new layout includes shortcuts to start fresh chats or search through old ones, and key tools like "Deep Research" and "Canvas" are put front and center in the prompt bar. It also features a dropdown at the top to switch between different Gemini models. However, full tablet-optimized support appears to still be pending or limited, as some users have reported that the Gemini app on tablets looks like a scaled-up mobile phone version rather than a tablet-optimized interface.
Google continues to test new features and tweaks for Gemini behind the scenes, but no set date has been announced for the public release of the tablet-ready Gemini layout. The sidebar in the new layout can be accessed through a hamburger menu, and the full-screen mode allows hiding the sidebar, giving Gemini's text the full spotlight.
Recent updates to Gemini have seen significant progress and platform expansion. In July 2025, Gemini 2.5 Pro and Gemini 2.5 Flash models reached General Availability, improving chat, code generation, math, science, and reasoning capabilities. Gemini has also been integrated into multiple platforms such as Wear OS, replacing the legacy Assistant with a fully featured AI assistant experience tailored for watches.
Despite these advancements, a dedicated tablet-friendly interface or update is still awaited according to recent user feedback and app version notes. Google’s official release notes do not explicitly mention a specific tablet-optimized Gemini update as of August 2025. Users might choose to keep the sidebar open due to its ease in accessing past Gemini chats.
As the new layout is still only available in the latest Google app beta, users who wish to experience the changes firsthand will need to download the beta version. The prompt bar in the new layout showcases buttons for "Video," "Search," "Research," and "Canvas." The new layout aims to provide a clean, no-frills view when the sidebar is hidden, eliminating the wasted space in the previous layout.
In conclusion, while Gemini is actively updated and broadly deployed across various devices, a dedicated tablet-friendly interface or update is still awaited. Users can expect continued improvements in the beta version, but a public release date for the tablet-ready Gemini layout remains to be announced.
- Users are waiting for a dedicated tablet-friendly interface or update in Gemini, as the current layout on tablets looks like a scaled-up mobile phone version rather than an optimized interface.
- The new layout in the latest Google app beta includes a dropdown to switch between different Gemini models, a hamburger menu for accessing the sidebar, and a clean, no-frills view when the sidebar is hidden, with shortcuts for "Video," "Search," "Research," and "Canvas" in the prompt bar.
