OnePlus has recently unveiled its latest flagship devices, the OnePlus 13 and 13s, featuring a built-in lockscreen shortcut for Google Gemini. This is a unique offering that even Google’s own Pixel devices do not provide.
The shortcut allows users to access the full Gemini app directly from the lockscreen, a feature that has been quietly available on the OnePlus 13 for some time now. The OnePlus 13s was launched in India, prominently showcasing this lockscreen shortcut, which is labeled as “Digital Assistant from Google.”
Screenshots reveal the unmistakable Gemini icon, indicating the connection to Google’s AI capabilities. Interestingly, while the shortcut gained attention with the 13s introduction, it has also been present on other OnePlus models like the OnePlus 13, which highlights this functionality’s longevity.
One crucial difference between this shortcut and typical voice activation options is that it allows users to return to previous conversations instead of merely starting new queries. While most Android devices permit launching Gemini with a voice command from the lockscreen, the dedicated shortcut provides seamless access to the complete Gemini app, enabling users to continue from where they left off.
Although Samsung devices can also add a Gemini shortcut to the lockscreen, users still need to unlock their phones to access it fully. In contrast, the OnePlus approach offers a more efficient way to dive into the Gemini features without extra steps.
The OnePlus 13s is exclusive to India and China, packed with features that rival Samsung’s offerings. It includes real-time translation for calls and messages, deep integration of Gemini into its core apps, and a dedicated physical AI button, making it a significant player in the smartphone market.