Google announced last week the launch of a dedicated Gemini app for the macOS operating system, a move that places it alongside major competitors, OpenAI and Anthropic, which already have a local presence on Apple computers. The new app is not just a "wrapper" for the website, but a built-in tool designed to become an integral part of workflows on the computer, with deep integration into the Mac user interface and direct access via the menu bar or the Dock.
The main emphasis in the new app is immediate accessibility. Using the keyboard shortcut Option + Space, you can summon Gemini at any point in the system without switching between windows or opening a browser, while a more advanced shortcut (Option + Shift + Space) opens the full chat window. The most significant capability is window sharing: Gemini can now "see" what is displayed on the screen and provide context-based assistance. Whether it is document analysis, file review or queries about content displayed in the browser, the digital assistant is able to process the information in real time. To enable reading of full pages in the browser, you will be required to grant the app appropriate accessibility permissions in the system settings.
Beyond text and data analysis, Google has integrated its most advanced creation tools into the app. You can use the Nano Banana model to create images and the Veo model to create high-quality video clips directly from the desktop. This is part of a broader vision by Google to turn Gemini into a proactive and powerful personal assistant on the personal computer, with the company already clarifying that the current step is only the first stage, and more updates on the subject are expected to be published in the coming months.
The app is available for free download for computers running macOS 15 and above, however free access is limited by usage quotas. For those who need expanded capabilities, Google offers a tiered subscription model: The AI Plus package at a cost of $7.99 per month, the Pro package at $19.99, and the Ultra plan intended for professional users at a cost of $249.99 per month.