Google Assistant is Shutting Down On Android
Google has officially begun the final phase of retiring Google Assistant on Android devices, confirming that users will start losing access to the longtime voice assistant on September 4.
The company has started emailing affected users, explaining that Google Assistant will gradually disappear from Android phones and tablets beginning September 4. Once the transition reaches a device, users will no longer be able to switch back to Google Assistant. Instead, saying "Hey Google" or long-pressing the power button will launch Gemini, provided the device meets the necessary hardware and software requirements.
Google first announced plans to retire Google Assistant in favor of Gemini as part of its broader push into generative AI. The original timeline targeted the end of 2025, but the migration was later delayed to allow the company to expand Gemini's capabilities across different device categories. With this latest announcement, Google has now provided the first concrete date for when the mobile transition will begin.
The change extends beyond smartphones. According to Google's email, Gemini will also replace Google Assistant on compatible Wear OS smartwatches, supported headphones and earbuds, and Android Auto when connected through an Android phone. However, vehicles that run Google's built-in automotive operating system will continue using Google Assistant for now, while Google prepares a separate Gemini experience for those systems.
Google has spent the past year expanding Gemini's feature set to match many of Assistant's everyday functions while adding conversational AI capabilities. The company says Gemini can handle common voice commands alongside more complex requests, such as generating content, summarizing information, and carrying out multi-step conversations. It has also introduced Gemini experiences for products like Google TV and smart home devices, although those platforms are following a different rollout schedule.
Not everyone will lose Google Assistant immediately. Google says the removal process will take several weeks, and users with unsupported devices or those living in regions where Gemini is unavailable may continue using Assistant until the broader retirement process is complete.
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