You’re not alone: This email from Google’s Gemini team was concerning (Updated: Google statement)
Update: Gemini is about to gain more control over your Android apps, but your privacy will remain intact.
Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
- Google recently notified users that, starting July 7, 2025, Gemini will be able to assist with apps like Phone, Messages, and WhatsApp, regardless of whether Gemini Apps Activity is turned on or off.
- The vague wording in the email raised privacy concerns, with users unclear if Gemini will still access these apps even after opting out.
- While the email says users can disable these features in the “App settings,” it offered no specific steps to do so.
- Google has now clarified what the change really means and how it won’t impact the privacy of users who don’t want their Gemini chats to be reviewed or used to train the AI.
Update: June 26, 2025 (11:04 PM ET): Google has responded to an email query from Android Authority regarding what the upcoming July 7 Gemini change on Android devices really means. You can read the complete statement below:
