Google is reportedly developing a usability update for its Gemini AI chatbot, aimed at simplifying how users interact with and share generated responses.
Highlights
- Direct text selection is coming: Google may soon let users long-press and highlight text directly in Gemini chat, removing the current 4-step process.
- No more screen switching: Text can be selected inline — without being redirected to another screen.
- Initial limitations expected: Only paragraph-style text and single bullet points may be selectable in the early release.
- Part of Gemini 2.5 upgrades: These include better reasoning, emotional tone recognition, and support for audio and multiple languages.
- “Deep Think” mode introduced: Designed for more complex, multi-step reasoning tasks.
- Personal context integration: Gemini can now tailor replies using user-permitted data from Gmail, Drive, and YouTube.
- Agent Mode automates tasks: Users can state goals, and Gemini will handle the steps using web access and app integration.
- Discovered via APK teardown: Not officially released yet — subject to changes or cancellation before rollout.
- Current options remain: Full responses are still copyable via a tap on the existing copy icon.
According to findings from an APK teardown of the Google app beta version 16.20.48.sa.arm64, a new direct text selection feature may soon be introduced — allowing users to highlight and copy specific portions of text directly within the chat interface.
A Streamlined Text Selection Experience
Currently, copying part of Gemini’s response on mobile involves a multi-step process: users must tap the three-dot menu, choose “Select text,” switch to a separate screen, and only then highlight the desired content.
This approach has been seen as inefficient, particularly for users who often share quotes, summaries, or snippets of their AI conversations.
The new feature could simplify this workflow significantly. Users would reportedly be able to long-press and drag to select text — similar to the selection method used in most modern messaging apps — without switching screens.
While still in development and not yet available to beta testers, the change marks a notable improvement in user experience.
Initial Limitations
As with many experimental features, some limitations are expected in early iterations. According to the code-level analysis, the new selection tool may initially support only paragraph-style text, and users may be restricted to selecting one bullet point at a time.
Although this could complicate sharing multi-part answers or lists, it still offers a more intuitive alternative to the current method.
Gemini 2.5 Pro and Broader AI Enhancements
This upcoming feature complements recent enhancements unveiled at Google I/O 2025, where the company introduced updates to its Gemini 2.5 model series. Key improvements in Gemini 2.5 Pro include:
- Enhanced reasoning abilities
- Native audio output support
- Emotional tone recognition in responses
- Expanded multilingual capabilities
- A new “Deep Think” mode for tackling more complex, multi-layered tasks
Personal Context and Tailored Responses
Gemini is also expected to offer more personalized interactions through a feature called “personal context.” With user permission, Gemini can access relevant data across Google services — such as Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and Photos — to deliver more contextually relevant responses.
This approach reflects Google’s goal of integrating AI more deeply across its ecosystem.
Agent Mode for Multi-Step Task Automation
Another experimental feature, Agent Mode, was also introduced at I/O 2025. This tool allows users to set high-level objectives that Gemini can autonomously break down into actionable steps.
With the help of live web browsing, in-depth research, and tight integration with other Google apps, Agent Mode is designed to handle complex workflows with minimal user input.
Not Yet Official — But Aligned With Google’s Broader Strategy
It’s important to note that the updated selection feature was discovered via APK teardown rather than an official release announcement.
Google regularly tests features internally, and not all experimental tools are released to the public — or they may undergo significant changes before rollout.
Still, this move aligns with Google’s broader efforts to enhance usability and keep Gemini competitive with other major AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot.
Current Sharing Options Still Available
While users wait for this feature to go live, Gemini still allows full responses to be copied with a single tap using the existing copy icon next to the share button.
For those who prefer to quote specific sections rather than entire responses, this potential update could offer a more efficient alternative soon.
