Gemini for Android adds persistent chat bubbles for multitasking across apps

Google is rolling out Android Bubbles support for its Gemini overlay on Android, allowing users to maintain active conversations while switching between apps.

How the feature works

When users start a conversation in the Gemini overlay and tap elsewhere on the screen, the interface now minimizes into a floating bubble displaying the Gemini spark logo. Tapping the bubble restores the full overlay and conversation.

On first use, Google displays a prompt explaining: "Gemini is still available while you multitask. Tap to expand. Drag to move or dismiss."

Previously, closing the Gemini overlay would end the conversation, requiring users to open the full application to resume their chat.

Android 17 integration

With Android 17, users can also create bubbles from the main Gemini app for similar continuous access across the system.

The implementation mirrors Gemini Live's floating waveform circle, extending the persistent interface concept to text-based conversations.

Availability

The feature appears to be in limited rollout. According to 9to5Google, only one user report has surfaced so far, from someone running the Android 17 QPR1 Beta. The feature was not appearing on devices checked by the publication.

Recent Gemini updates

This follows Google's addition of Dynamic Color support to the Gemini overlay earlier in June 2026. Recent updates also include a fix for call-making issues on Android and Android Auto, a new macOS app icon and screenshot hotkey, and Google Business Profile integration.

What this means

The Bubbles implementation addresses a practical friction point in mobile AI assistant usage: maintaining context while multitasking. By preventing conversation loss when users switch apps, Google makes Gemini more viable for workflows that require referencing the assistant while working in other applications. The limited rollout suggests Google is testing the feature before wider deployment, likely gathering usage data on how users interact with persistent AI chat interfaces on mobile devices.