The standalone NotebookLM apps will be automatically downloaded to users' devices on May 20, 2025 (the first day of Google I/O), replacing the previous web-based experience that has been available since the service launched in 2023.12 Users simply need to open the app and sign in with their Google account to get started. The mobile applications, which have been highly anticipated by the NotebookLM community, will make the AI research assistant accessible on the go for the first time, addressing a key limitation of the previously desktop-only platform.23

Pre-registration is now available on both the Google Play Store (under the package name com.google.android.apps.labs.language.tailwind) and Apple's App Store, allowing eager users to secure early access.452 This mobile expansion comes as Google continues to enhance NotebookLM's capabilities, with recent updates including integration with Gemini 2.5 Flash to power its research and chatbot functionalities.6

The mobile apps will offer the same robust AI-powered features as the desktop version, including smart summaries, in-line source citations, and the ability to upload and analyze documents, websites, and videos12. Designed to help students, professionals, and researchers better understand complex information, NotebookLM can transform boring study subjects into engaging content23. The app's chatbot functionality has been enhanced with Gemini 2.5 Flash, powering its research capabilities and making it more responsive on mobile devices4. Users can create notebooks, ask questions whenever inspiration strikes, and access their research materials seamlessly across devices, making NotebookLM a powerful virtual research assistant for on-the-go productivity56.

One of the standout features in the new NotebookLM mobile apps is the podcast-style "Audio Overviews" functionality, which transforms your research and notes into listenable content.12 This feature allows users to consume their notebook information hands-free, similar to listening to a podcast, making it ideal for learning while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The audio capability includes background playback support, meaning you can listen to your content while using other apps or when your phone screen is locked.1

Additionally, the mobile apps will offer offline support for Audio Overviews, enabling users to download their audio content for listening without an internet connection.1 This accessibility enhancement addresses a key limitation of the previous web-only version, allowing for truly on-the-go learning experiences that weren't possible before the standalone app release.

For users seeking enhanced capabilities, NotebookLM Plus will be available as an optional premium tier, accessible with a Google One AI Premium subscription. This premium offering builds upon the free version's functionality with advanced features for power users. The standard version of NotebookLM remains available to personal Google accounts and participating enterprise Google Workspace or Google Workspace for Education users1, with the new mobile experience making this powerful AI tool accessible to a broader audience.