Google unveiled the first Android 16 developer preview earlier this week, sparking excitement among tech enthusiasts. Among the discoveries is a new API called “app functions,” which hints at a potentially transformative upgrade for Google’s AI assistant, Gemini.
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As reported by Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority, this feature appears to give Gemini agentic-like capabilities, allowing it to take actions within apps—similar to the “app intents” framework introduced in Apple’s iOS 18. If realized, this could make AI assistants far more practical than their current, often limited functionality.
According to Google’s developer site, an app function is “a specific piece of functionality that an app offers to the system.” While vague, documentation examples suggest exciting possibilities. For instance, an app developer could expose actions like ordering food, enabling Gemini to place an order with a Thai restaurant directly—no need to open the DoorDash app.
Apple is also refining its AI assistant capabilities. With iOS 18, Siri is expected to leverage updated app intents to perform in-app tasks, like ordering food, on the user’s behalf. However, Apple’s rollout is slower, with these enhancements rumoured to arrive by spring 2025.
The promise of AI assistants has always been about doing things for you, but significant progress has only recently begun. Currently, Gemini can access app data with user permission, primarily for tasks like searching Gmail or Google Maps. Meanwhile, Siri’s iOS 18 updates have focused on integrating a ChatGPT extension, enabling more nuanced queries but still lacking robust action-taking features.
Both Google and Apple now seem to be laying the foundation for a smarter, more proactive AI ecosystem. If these developments come to fruition, 2025 could mark a pivotal year for AI-powered assistants, making smartphones significantly more helpful in day-to-day life.
