Google Tests Gemini Mac App With 'Desktop Intelligence'

Google is stepping up its artificial intelligence efforts on Apple platforms with a dedicated Gemini app for the Mac. The company has opened a private beta to a small group of external testers to gather feedback and identify bugs ahead of a public release.



The Mac app operates under the internal codename Janus, according to Bloomberg. App researcher M1Astra shared details from the test, noting that Google has intentionally limited this early build to core functionality. Testers are currently using the app to generate images, video, music, tables, and charts, while also evaluating its capabilities in mathematics and information analysis. The app can search the web, analyze uploaded media documents, and maintain a history of past conversations.


To better integrate with macOS, Google is testing a feature called Desktop Intelligence. This allows Gemini to pull context from other active apps, such as Calendar, to deliver more personalized responses. A prompt within the app indicates the feature can view on-screen content and extract information, but only while Gemini is actively in use.

The interface closely mirrors the design of the existing Gemini app on iPhone and iPad. Currently, Mac users must access Gemini through a web browser, so a native app would provide quicker access and make it easier to work with local files and uploaded documents.

A native Mac app puts Google on more equal footing with competitors. Both OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude are already available as macOS applications.

Google's push to expand its software on Apple devices comes as its partnership with Apple continues to evolve. Apple is reportedly preparing a revamped Siri experience for iOS 27 and macOS 27 that will rely on Google's Gemini models to help power more advanced AI features. Google has not announced a release date for the Mac app, but the start of external testing suggests a launch could be approaching.