Google Simplify feature makes dense web text easier to understand on iOS

Most of us scroll more than we read. And when we do stop to learn something useful, it’s usually buried under a pile of jargon and overly technical phrasing. But now, Google wants to make that knowledge easier to digest—with the help of AI.

The new Google Simplify feature, built into the Google app for iOS, does exactly what it says on the tin. Highlight any chunk of dense text, tap the “Simplify” icon, and it instantly rewrites the section in simpler terms. You don’t even have to leave the page. It’s fast, context-aware, and powered by Google’s Gemini AI model.

If this reminds you of AI summarization tools, you’re not far off. A lot of generative AI products—from ChatGPT to Perplexity—offer summaries of articles and documents. But Google’s approach here is more focused. Instead of summarizing everything, Simplify rewrites the original text in a way that’s still complete, just more understandable. Think of it like a real-time explainer, not a shortcut.

This difference matters. Summaries often strip away nuance. Simplify aims to preserve it—just in clearer language. Google says this is the result of a large-scale research study into how LLMs can break down complex information without losing accuracy. Of course, they still acknowledge that hallucinations and minor errors can happen, and that the feature will need careful monitoring.

For now, it’s only available on iPhones and iPads via the Google app. Android users are left out, which is ironic—but also very on brand. Google hasn’t said when (or if) it’ll expand the feature to other platforms.

Still, if you’re an iOS user trying to be more intentional with your screen time, the Google Simplify feature could be the most underrated update you didn’t know you needed.

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