Google has confirmed that Google Assistant will be removed from Android devices on September 4, 2026, ending nearly a decade of support as the company completes its transition to Gemini, its artificial intelligence-powered assistant.
According to a report by 9to5Google, Google has begun notifying some users by email that Google Assistant will no longer be available on Android phones, tablets and Wear OS smartwatches after the deadline.
Users will instead be directed to Gemini, which has become Google’s default AI assistant across supported Android devices.
Google Assistant was introduced in 2016 as part of the company’s Allo messaging app before expanding to Android smartphones, smart speakers, smart displays, TVs, cars and other connected devices.
Over the years, it became one of Android’s most widely used features, allowing users to make calls, send messages, set alarms and reminders, control smart home devices, navigate with Google Maps, play music, search the web and perform other voice-controlled tasks using the “Hey Google” command.
Google originally planned to retire Assistant in 2025 but delayed the move while expanding Gemini’s capabilities. In recent months, the company has accelerated the rollout of Gemini as the default assistant on compatible Android devices.
Unlike Google Assistant, Gemini is built on Google’s generative AI technology and supports voice, text and image-based interactions. It can handle everyday phone functions while also offering more advanced AI features, including content generation, summarisation and contextual conversations.
Users who are still using Google Assistant will need to switch to Gemini after September 4, when Assistant will no longer be supported on Android devices.
