Gemini Takes Over as Google Retires Google Assistant on Android

Google is shutting down its decade-old Google Assistant on Android devices starting September 4. The company will replace it with Gemini, a generative AI system that can understand context and generate human-like responses.

The shutdown affects all Android mobile devices, as well as Wear OS smartwatches, compatible headphones and earbuds, and vehicles using Android Auto when projected wirelessly from a paired phone. However, Google has carved out exceptions for certain hardware, including cars equipped with Google built-in and some smart speakers.

The company plans to complete the transition by the end of 2026, although it had originally aimed to finish the process by the end of 2025. Users can download the Gemini app from the Play Store immediately, but those who do so will have to wait for the automatic rollout to see Gemini fully integrated into their devices.