Google Meet no longer requires an iPhone app to join calls

Source Domain: 9to5google.com

An upgrade to Google Meet for web has delivered support for iPhone users to join meetings directly through their web browser, no app downloads required.

Most video conferencing apps support the ability to join calls through a link in your browser. While functionality can be limited, it’s an important option for many as not everyone wants to have every conferencing app installed on their device just for the sake of joining an occasional meeting.

Google Meet is a web-first offering, but it has been relying on a mobile app for iPhone.

Whether Google Meet directly or the Gmail app, iPhone owners need to install an app to join calls. Or, they did. Starting today, Google Meet now supports calls via the Safari web browser (and, by extension, other iOS browsers) on iPhone and iPad.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Google explains:

Prior to this update, iOS users without the Gmail or Meet apps were unable to participate in Google Meet sessions on their mobile devices. Now, iOS mobile device users can join meetings directly through Safari, without needing to install an app. The process is now seamless; individuals without a Google account can simply provide their name to request entry into the call.

This is rolling out starting today, but it may take time for some users to see the change in workflow. If you try to join a Meet call on iPhone, you may still be prompted to join via the app, but if neither Meet nor Gmail are installed, this new option to join through the web should kick in.