Google is working on letting Gemini control your Mac and your files

Google plans to give its AI assistant Gemini far more access to your Mac. That is according to the tech outlet 9to5Google. The feature has not been released yet, so these are plans and not a finished product.

What has happened?

In April, Google launched a standalone Gemini app for Mac. It can be downloaded for free, requires macOS 15 or later and is opened with a shortcut (Option + Space). In the app, you can upload files and share what is on your screen with Gemini.

Now developers have found traces in Google's own code pointing to something bigger: a so-called agent. An agent is an AI that does not just answer questions but carries out tasks for you itself.

What might it be able to do?

The traces in the code show four examples of requests you can give Gemini:

- "Convert my files to a sheet" (turn my files into a spreadsheet) - "Organize my folders" (tidy up my folders) - "Standardize my files" (give my files consistent names) - "Close the loop on my last meeting" (follow up on my last meeting)

To do this, Gemini needs to use the Mac's settings for screen access and accessibility. That would allow the AI to see your screen and control the mouse and keyboard. According to the media, the feature is intended as a response to Anthropic's Claude Cowork, which can do something similar.

What does it mean for you?

If the feature arrives, it could save time on tedious work, such as renaming hundreds of files or gathering data into a spreadsheet.

At the same time, it is an AI with very broad powers on your computer. Think about which folders and apps you give it access to, and check the settings when the feature shows up. Some media write that as a user you can control which local apps and files Gemini may touch, but that has not yet been confirmed in practice.

Google has not officially announced when the agent will arrive.

What it means for you

If you have a Mac and spend a lot of time on tedious file work, such as renaming files or tidying folders, the feature could eventually save you time. You can already download the Gemini app for Mac for free if you have macOS 15 or later, and try uploading files or sharing your screen with it. When the agent arrives, check carefully which folders and apps you give it access to, because it will be allowed to see your screen and control the mouse and keyboard.