14 DAY TRIAL // Google first released its AI virtual assistant with its Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones last fall, and since then, Assistant has made its way to a slew of devices and has been integrated into Google’s Allo app. Now it seems that Google might be expanding Assistant to iOS.
Google intends to announce its plan to expand Assistant to iOS during this year’s edition of I/O, which is expected to debut in just a few days. Android Police’s source didn’t reveal Google’s exact plans, except for the fact that Assistant will be featured in its own standalone app for iOS.
The application could feature a combination of Assistant’s chat style skills, found in the Allo app, and voice controls that help users get directions or launch applications on their phones. Sadly, there are few details at this point.
Google Assistant for iOS could be announced in a couple of days
Still, the timing for such an announcement seems quite suitable, considering that Google released Assistant’s SDK to developers just last month. In addition, Google I/O would be one of the most suitable events for such an important announcement. By releasing the Assistant SDK, Google intends to encourage even more developers to build apps for the virtual assistant and integrate it in a plenitude of devices.
Fortunately, the wait won’t be long, as Google I/O is set to start on May 17 and end on May 19 in California. In the unlikely scenario that Google won’t announce Assistant to iOS this week, the virtual assistant will surely make its way to iPhones and iPads later this year.
Either way, a standalone Google Assistant app for iOS means that Google intends to further expand the reach of its virtual AI to bring Assistant to smartphones running Android OS’ main competitor. Google is also looking to solidify Assistant’s position on the market and take on Siri on its own platform, Apple’s iOS.