OpenAI has released a new beta update for ChatGPT on Android, allowing users to set it as the default digital assistant. The latest version, ChatGPT for Android Beta (1.2025.070), lets users replace Google Gemini as their primary assistant, making it accessible through system shortcuts. This development marks a significant step toward integrating AI-driven assistants beyond Google’s ecosystem.
Replacing Google Gemini with ChatGPT
After updating to the latest beta, users can change their default digital assistant to ChatGPT through the Android settings menu. Once activated, long-pressing the Home button, navigation bar, or power button will launch ChatGPT instead of Google Gemini. The assistant appears as a floating bubble on the screen, allowing quick access to AI-powered responses. However, early tests indicate that the feature is not yet fully stable, with some instances opening directly into the chat mode instead of displaying the floating bubble.
Activation limits and system rules
Right now, it cannot wake by voice commands like “Hey ChatGPT” because it doesn’t have access to Google’s trusted API. This rule affects apps that aren’t preinstalled, so users need to use buttons or gestures to start the assistant. While this makes it harder to use hands-free, OpenAI’s step hints at a bigger plan to blend it into mobile systems, which could boost its features in later updates.
Adding ChatGPT as a choice over Google Gemini shows a change in the AI helper space. Even though it’s not fully part of the system yet, more tweaks could make it a better pick for Android users. If OpenAI gets more access to Android’s system tools, ChatGPT might soon work with voice commands and fit more smoothly with phone features, giving Google’s AI helpers a run for their money. What do you think about this new development? Let us know in the comment section below
