Google Gemini App Update Adds ‘Answer Now’ Option for Faster Replies

Google’s Gemini App Gets ‘Answer Now’ Option: What It Is and How It Works

Google has rolled out a new “Answer now” option in its Gemini app, introducing a faster way for users to receive responses without waiting for the AI’s full reasoning process to complete. The feature is designed for users who prefer speed over detailed step-by-step thinking, particularly when using Gemini’s more advanced models.

The option appears next to the loading indicator when users select the Pro or Thinking models, giving them the choice to bypass the longer response generation phase and receive an answer almost instantly. Notably, the “Answer now” option does not appear when using the Fast model, which is already optimised for quick replies.

What Is Gemini’s ‘Answer Now’ Option?

Faster Responses Without Switching Models

The “Answer now” option allows users to skip Gemini’s in-depth reasoning stage while still using the same AI model they originally selected. This means users can get quicker responses from Pro or Thinking models without automatically downgrading to a faster, less complex model.

This update replaces the earlier skip in-depth reasoning option and introduces clearer wording for users who want immediate answers.

How Gemini’s ‘Answer Now’ Option Works

Where the Button Appears

When Gemini is processing a query using the Thinking or Pro models, users will see the “Answer now” button appear next to the spinning status indicator.

What Happens When You Tap ‘Answer Now’

Key Behaviour Explained

• Gemini displays a prompt informing users that it is skipping the in-depth thinking phase

• The response is still generated using the originally selected model

• Gemini does not switch to the Fast model in the background

Google has clarified that since the model remains the same, the response generated after tapping “Answer now” will be different from what the Fast model would produce.

This approach gives users greater control, allowing them to balance speed and reasoning depth depending on the task.

Availability Across Platforms and Accounts

Supported Platforms

The “Answer now” feature is being rolled out across:

• Android

• iOS

• Web

Free and Paid Users Supported

The option is available to both free and paid Gemini users, making it accessible across Google’s entire Gemini user base.

However, reports note that the wording on iOS may still show older terminology in some cases, suggesting the rollout is still being standardised across platforms.

Google Revises Gemini Thinking and Pro Model Limits

How Prompt Limits Worked Earlier

Previously, Gemini’s Pro and Thinking models shared a common daily quota, meaning heavy usage of one model reduced the available prompts for the other. This often caused confusion for users who relied on different models for different tasks.

New Model-Specific Daily Prompt Limits

According to Google’s updated support pages, the company has now moved to separate, model-specific limits.

Updated Daily Prompt Limits

AI Pro Subscribers

• Thinking model: 300 prompts per day

• Pro model: 100 prompts per day

AI Ultra Subscribers

• Thinking model: 1,500 prompts per day

• Pro model: 500 prompts per day

This change gives users clearer visibility into their usage and allows better planning for tasks that require deeper reasoning versus faster responses.

Why ‘Answer Now’ Matters for Gemini Users

The introduction of “Answer now”, combined with separate model limits, signals Google’s focus on user control and flexibility. Users can now:

• Decide when to prioritise speed over depth

• Continue using advanced models without unnecessary waiting

• Manage daily prompt usage more effectively

Final Thoughts

Google’s “Answer now” option is a practical addition to the Gemini app, especially for users who frequently switch between quick queries and complex tasks. By allowing instant responses without changing models, Google has added a layer of convenience while preserving the power of its Pro and Thinking models.

As the feature continues rolling out across platforms, users can expect a smoother and more customisable AI experience within Gemini.