Google will begin removing access to its Assistant application from Android phones and tablets on September 4. The company has started notifying users via email about the discontinuation, which will transition the mobile assistant experience to its Gemini artificial intelligence model. This change will affect Android phones, Wear OS watches, and vehicles running Android Auto projected from a mobile device. The transition process is expected to take several weeks to complete and will not occur simultaneously across all devices. Once the removal is complete, users will no longer be able to access or revert to the Google Assistant on their affected devices.
The shift marks a significant step in Google's strategy to consolidate its AI offerings under the Gemini brand. Gemini, described by Google as its next-generation AI-powered assistant, is intended to provide a more capable and conversational interaction than its predecessor. While Google Assistant was designed for more rigid command structures, Gemini is built to understand natural language and improve over time. The company stated its commitment to a smooth transition, expressing confidence that Gemini will offer a more helpful assistant experience.
This deprecation was originally planned for the end of 2025 but was later extended to 2026. The move to Gemini has been ongoing, with Google gradually phasing out Assistant features and introducing Gemini across various platforms. For instance, Gemini has already been introduced to connected speakers and smart displays, and is expected to come to Google TV devices. However, cars with Google built-in, which operate on the company's automotive operating system directly, will continue to have access to Google Assistant beyond the September 4 deadline. The timeline for Gemini's integration with other form factors, such as the docked Pixel Tablet, remains to be seen.
Users invoking the assistant on their Android devices by saying "Hey Google" or long-pressing the power button will now launch Gemini instead of Google Assistant. While Gemini aims to handle more complex and conversational requests, some reports suggest that certain day-to-day features and familiar commands available in Google Assistant may still be missing or require workarounds. Google has indicated that Gemini is the platform users will likely see first on Android phones, with other Android devices to follow in stages. The company has not yet laid out a full roadmap for the complete integration of all Assistant features into Gemini.
The retirement of Google Assistant from mobile devices is part of a broader trend of companies consolidating their AI assistants. Google's move reflects an industry-wide effort to streamline AI experiences and enhance conversational capabilities. Developers and smart home manufacturers will need to adapt to these changes as Google transitions to a more advanced AI system.