Gemini Android App Gets Major Layout Shift

Google is pushing a major layout change to its Gemini app for Android. The update arrives via a server-side delivery, meaning users are seeing the new interface without needing to download a new version of the app.

The most visible change is in the side panel. The search function has moved to the top-right corner. The 'New chat' option remains the first entry in the list. 'Library' now sits directly below it, a position previously occupied by other menu items near the bottom of the drawer.

The navigation drawer now displays only five recent chats initially. A 'More' button expands the full list for users who need to access older conversations. For subscribers to AI Ultra, the expanded menu includes New chat, Library, Images, Scheduled, Daily brief, Customize, Students, Videos, and Gems.

Settings have also been consolidated. Previously, user preferences were split between the account menu and a separate 'Gemini Settings' area. Google has merged these into a single page. The account menu now handles only account switching, feedback, and help requests.

The new unified Settings page begins with 'Manage account' and 'Usage limits.' A 'Preferences' section follows, listing Notifications, Personal Intelligence, Avatar, Task settings, Theme, Skills, Voice, Media, Device controls, Cart and orders, and Gemini Notebook. 'Theme' is marked as a new addition to this list.

The page concludes with 'Data & privacy' and 'Get support' sections. 'Data & privacy' covers Import memory, Contact info from your devices, Gemini Apps Activity, Your public links, and the Privacy Help Hub. 'Get support' lists Help, Report a problem, About, and Updates. These same interface changes reached iOS, macOS, and web users last week alongside the launch of Gemini 4 Argon.

Recent developments in the Gemini app include Gemini Notebook becoming a Connected App for deeper integration. Free users are now assigned to 'Auto' models as the app adds thinking levels. A new 'Map' tool has also arrived, replacing the previous '/' shortcut with an '@' symbol.