Understanding the Google Gemini AI app update

The quick answer

Google's upcoming Gemini AI app update introduces major changes. Here is what you need to know:

1. Gemini will integrate with core apps. Starting July 7, 2025, Gemini will work inside apps like Phone, Messages, and WhatsApp to perform tasks.
2. Your privacy settings are redefined. Turning off "Gemini Apps Activity" no longer stops Gemini from accessing your app data to complete a requested action.
3. The "off" switch has a new meaning. Disabling "Gemini Apps Activity" only prevents Google from using your conversation data for future AI model training. It does not block access.
4. New features are rolling out. The update includes Gemini 2.5 Pro for advanced users, personalized responses based on your Search history, and an improved Deep Research feature.

What is Changing with the Google Gemini AI App?

Google is rolling out a significant overhaul for its Gemini AI application. This update brings more powerful features and deeper integration into your daily digital life.

However, it also introduces a critical shift in how the platform handles user privacy and data access. Understanding these changes is essential for every user.

The Critical Shift in Gemini's Privacy Policy

The most important part of this update is the change to the "Gemini Apps Activity" setting. Many users believed turning this off prevented Gemini from reading their data, but this is no longer accurate.

This redefines the boundary between providing a service and using your data. The control you have over your information has fundamentally changed.

What "Gemini Apps Activity" Off Really Means Now

When you turn the "Gemini Apps Activity" setting off, you are only telling Google not to use your conversations to train its AI models. It does not stop the app from accessing your data.

For Gemini to draft a text or make a call on your behalf, it must access the relevant app and its content. This access now happens regardless of your activity setting.

You are no longer granting or denying access with this switch. You are only choosing whether your data can be used for Google's product development.

Why This Privacy Redefinition Matters

This change blurs the line between AI convenience and personal privacy. The "off switch" for data collection is not as comprehensive as its name implies.

Privacy advocates and organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) consistently raise concerns about how tech companies define user consent and data access.

You must be aware that Gemini processes your personal communications to function, even if you have opted out of data saving for model training. This is a non-negotiable part of using the new integrated features.

How Gemini Will Integrate with Your Daily Apps

Starting July 7, 2025, Gemini will become a more integrated assistant across your most used communication apps. The goal is to make the AI more seamless and context-aware.

This includes native Google apps like Phone and Messages, as well as popular third-party apps like WhatsApp. This deeper integration allows Gemini to take action on your behalf.

Practical Examples of Gemini App Integration

The new functionality allows for more direct commands. You can ask Gemini to "draft an email to the marketing team about the new campaign" and it will open Gmail with a draft ready.

You could also say "send a WhatsApp message to John saying I'm running five minutes late" without needing to open the app and type it yourself.

This functionality makes Gemini feel less like a separate app and more like an underlying intelligence layer for your entire phone.

New Features Powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro

Alongside the integration and privacy changes, Google is upgrading the core technology. Many new features are powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro, described as its most intelligent model to date.

Subscribers to Gemini Advanced get priority access to these improvements, which span coding, logical reasoning, and complex instruction following.

Personalized Responses Based on Your History

You can now opt-in to allow Gemini to use your Google Search history for more personalized responses. This feature is available in over 40 languages.

If you often search for project management tools, Gemini's answers about productivity will become more tailored to your interests. This is a practical example of how AI-driven marketing personalization works.

You can enable or disable this feature at any time in your Gemini Apps Activity settings, giving you direct control over this specific data use.

Deep Research for Comprehensive Reports

The Deep Research feature has been upgraded with a more powerful model. It can generate multi-page reports on nearly any topic in minutes.

This is a valuable tool for professionals and students. You can use it to create a competitor analysis, summarize market trends, or gather background information for a strategic plan.

How to Manage Your Gemini AI Settings

Given these updates, reviewing your Gemini settings is more important than ever. You can find all relevant controls in your Google Account's activity page.

Taking a few minutes to understand and configure these options ensures your settings align with your comfort level for data privacy and personalization.

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Privacy Controls

Follow these steps to review and manage your Gemini AI settings:

1. Navigate to myactivity.google.com/product/gemini in your web browser.
2. Locate the "Gemini Apps Activity" setting. Review its status and understand that turning it off only stops data use for model training.
3. Find the specific setting for "Include Google Search history" to control personalization. Disable it if you do not want Gemini using your search data for tailored responses.
4. Regularly check your saved conversation history and delete any prompts or responses you do not want stored in your account.

What This Means for Your Business and Marketing

The Gemini AI update presents both powerful opportunities and important considerations for any business. The new efficiency tools can boost productivity, but the data handling requires clear internal policies.

As Google makes clear in its official posts, such as the one on the Google Keyword Blog, the goal is a more helpful and personal AI.

Leveraging Gemini for Marketing Efficiency

Use Gemini's enhanced capabilities to accelerate your marketing tasks. Ask it to draft social media posts, suggest email subject lines, or outline a blog post.

The Deep Research feature is excellent for market analysis. Generate reports on customer pain points, industry keywords, or competitor social media strategies in minutes.

Automating these foundational tasks frees up your team to focus on high-level strategy and client relationships, a core benefit of Ingeniom's fully managed monthly marketing plans.

Navigating the Privacy Implications as a Business

If your team uses Gemini or other AI tools for work, you need a formal AI usage policy. This policy should provide clear guidelines on what is and is not acceptable.

Instruct all employees to never input sensitive customer data, financial information, or proprietary company secrets into any public AI chatbot.

Treat every prompt as if it is public information. This simple rule helps mitigate the risk of accidental data leaks, regardless of your activity settings.