Google adds a minimise option to the Gemini AI overlay
Google’s on‑device AI assistant, Gemini, has been a hot topic among Android power users since its debut. While the chatbot’s full‑screen overlay offers a rich conversational experience, it also monopolises the display, forcing users to pause whatever they were doing until the interaction ends.
Earlier this year, Android Authority reported that Google was experimenting with a way to shrink the overlay, but the feature was still missing from public builds.
Now, as of early September 2026, the company appears to be moving the solution out of the lab and into the wild. A small but growing number of Android devices are showing a new Minimise Gemini button at the top of the overlay. When pressed, the overlay collapses into a compact bubble that carries the Gemini logo and a brief hint: tap to expand, drag to move, or swipe away to dismiss.
How the minimise UI works
- One‑tap collapse – The button sits on the right‑hand side of the chat bar. A single tap reduces the overlay to a circular widget about the size of a typical chat head.
- Background processing – Even in its shrunken state, Gemini continues to handle the user’s request. Answers appear in the bubble once they’re ready, or you can expand the overlay again to read the full response.
- Drag‑and‑drop freedom – The bubble can be dragged to any corner of the screen, meaning you can keep it out of the way while scrolling through a news feed, replying to a message, or browsing the Play Store.
- Dismissal – Swiping the bubble away or tapping a small ‘X’ removes Gemini from the screen entirely, returning you to the previous app.
The design mirrors a prototype that leaked in June, where the minimise button was hidden behind a swipe gesture. By making the control permanently visible, Google hopes to reduce the discoverability barrier that may have discouraged casual users.
Why this matters for UK Android buyers
For many contract‑seeking shoppers, the ability to multitask on a single device is a decisive factor when choosing a handset. A phone that forces you to close other apps while you wait for an AI answer can feel clunky, especially on mid‑range devices where screen real‑estate is already at a premium.
The minimise feature aligns Gemini more closely with other floating‑window services such as Facebook’s Messenger chat heads or the built‑in Android picture‑in‑picture mode for video. It also dovetails with the growing trend of AI‑first experiences on Android – from Google Lens to the new Bard integration – where users expect the assistant to blend into their workflow rather than dominate it.
If you’re comparing a Pixel 8 Pro with a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for a 24‑month contract, the presence of a seamless AI overlay could tip the scales. The Pixel’s tighter integration with Gemini means you’ll likely receive the minimise update first, whereas Samsung’s One UI may need an additional compatibility layer.
Rollout strategy and availability
Google is taking a phased rollout approach, similar to how it introduces major Android updates. Early reports (from users on Reddit, X and Android forums) show the button appearing on Pixel 7, Pixel 7a and the newer Pixel 8 series. The company has not published an official rollout schedule, but the pattern suggests a gradual expansion to older Pixel models and eventually to Android OEMs that ship the Google Play Services version supporting Gemini.
Because the feature is tied to the Gemini overlay itself – which lives within the Google app and the broader Play Services framework – the update does not require a full OS upgrade. Users should see the minimise button appear after the next automatic Play Services refresh, typically within a few days of the rollout reaching their device.
Potential limitations
- Limited device coverage for now – The bubble is still only visible on a handful of phones, meaning most Android users will continue to experience the full‑screen overlay.
- Battery impact – Running Gemini in the background while the UI is collapsed could marginally increase power draw, though Google claims the optimisation is lightweight.
- Feature discoverability – Even with a visible button, some users may overlook it if they are accustomed to the previous full‑screen behaviour.
What to expect next
Google has hinted that the minimise UI is just the first step toward a more flexible Gemini experience. Future updates may include:
- Resizable windows – allowing users to drag the overlay to a corner and resize it, similar to Android’s split‑screen mode.
- Persistent chat bar – a thin strip that stays at the bottom of the screen, giving quick access without covering content.
- Deeper integration with third‑party apps – enabling developers to embed Gemini responses directly within their UI.
For now, the minimise button is a welcome improvement for anyone who relies on Gemini while juggling emails, social media or streaming content on the same device.
How to check if you have the feature
- Open the Google app and start a Gemini conversation.
- Look for a small Minimise icon (usually a dash or minus sign) at the top‑right of the overlay.
- Tap it – the overlay should shrink into a floating bubble.
- If you don’t see the button, ensure your Play Services are up to date and give it a few more days; the rollout is still in progress.
Bottom line
Google’s incremental release of a minimise control for the Gemini overlay signals the company’s commitment to making AI a seamless part of everyday Android use. While the feature is currently limited to newer Pixel phones, it paves the way for broader adoption across the Android ecosystem. For UK shoppers hunting for a contract‑ready handset, a device that supports a fluid Gemini experience could become a subtle yet valuable differentiator in a crowded market.
All information is based on publicly available reports and user observations as of September 2026. Availability may vary by device and carrier.
