Google Assistant to be discontinued on mobile, replaced by Gemini

Google says it will begin removing Assistant from phones and paired devices on September 4.

Gemini replaces Assistant on mobile

Google is discontinuing Google Assistant on mobile devices, with Gemini now serving as the assistant experience on Android.

In a notice, Google said it will begin removing access to Google Assistant on mobile devices starting September 4, a process it expects may take a few weeks to reach all users. Once access is removed, users will no longer be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on their phone, tablet, or paired devices.

For users whose Android device meets the minimum system requirements and who are in a region where Gemini is available, Gemini will become the Google-provided assistant on their mobile device. Invoking the assistant, such as by saying "Hey Google" or long-pressing the power button, will bring up Gemini instead of the previous Google Assistant.

The change also extends to devices paired with a user's mobile phone. Once Gemini is set as the mobile device assistant, it also becomes the assistant on paired Wear OS watches, Gemini-compatible headphones or earbuds, and vehicles running Android Auto projected from the phone. Starting September 4, users will lose the ability to use Google Assistant on these paired devices as well.

Cars with Google built-in are an exception. Google Assistant will continue to function in those vehicles beyond September 4, 2026, the company said.

Google noted that these changes apply only to the assistant experience on mobile devices and accessories paired to a phone, such as watches, headphones, and car infotainment systems. The company said it has separate plans to bring Gemini to Google TV devices and to Google Home speakers and smart displays.

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Via: Android Central