Definitely not the news I was expecting this morning, but I, along with everyone else, knew this was coming. With the arrival of Google’s Gemini came the eventual end of Google Assistant, and that time is happening September 4.
According to 9to5Google, Google has been emailing users in preparation to go away from devices, including Android phones, tablets, headphones, earbuds, WearOS watches, and vehicles running Android Auto. However, vehicles with Google built-in, along with Google Home and Google TV devices, will keep Google Assistant access for the moment.
Users will no longer be able to use Google Assistant and will have no choice but to rely on the new Gemini AI—pending your device can support it.
Here’s what the email says verbatim below from Droid-Life:
We’re writing to let you know that the Google Assistant on your mobile device is being discontinued, and Gemini—our next-generation AI-powered assistant—is now the assistant experience on Android.
What This Means for Your Mobile Device
As we transition our mobile experience to Gemini, Google Assistant will no longer be available on your mobile device. We will begin removing access to Google Assistant starting on September 4, and expect that this process may take a few weeks to reach everyone. Once availability is removed, you will no longer be able to use or switch back
to Google Assistant on your phone, tablet, or paired devices.
If your Android device meets the minimum system requirements2 and you are in a region where Gemini is available,3 Gemini will be the Google-provided assistant on your mobile device. When you invoke your assistant, for example, by saying “Hey Google” or long-pressing your power button, Gemini will appear instead of the previous Google Assistant.
Changes to Accessories and Paired Devices
When you set Gemini as your mobile device assistant, it also becomes the assistant on devices that are paired with your mobile phone. This includes:
Watches running Wear OS
Headphones or earbuds compatible with Gemini
Vehicles running Android Auto projected from a user’s mobile device. For cars with Google built-in, Google Assistant will continue to function beyond September 4, 2026.
Like your mobile device, starting September 4, users will lose the ability to use Google Assistant on these paired devices.
Google Assistant on Other Devices
These changes are only for the assistant experience on your mobile device and accessories that pair to your phone, like watches, headphones, and car infotainment systems.
You can also read more about our separate plans to bring Gemini to Google TV devices and Google Home speakers and smart displays.
Next Steps & More Information
We are committed to providing a smooth transition and are confident that Gemini will offer you an even more capable and helpful assistant experience.
Thank you for being a valued Google user,
The Google Team
