Google Ditches Legacy Assistant, Forcing Users to Switch to Gemini in September

Google is ending support for its Google Assistant on mobile devices in favor of Gemini, a new AI-powered assistant. The transition will begin on September 4, 2026, and all users will be forced to use Gemini by then.

The change affects not only smartphones but also connected accessories such as Wear OS watches and Android Auto-compatible vehicles. However, Google Assistant will remain available in some vehicles with built-in Android Automotive until further notice.

This marks the end of an era for the original Google Assistant, which was launched many years ago and paved the way for digital assistants like Gemini.