Google has extended the timeline for replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on most Android phones, pushing the transition into 2026 and potentially beyond.
The company originally planned to remove Assistant by the end of 2025 but now says it needs more time to ensure a seamless transition. Updates to convert Assistant to Gemini on Android devices will continue into 2026, with additional details to be shared in the coming months. This adjustment suggests the full transition could extend past early 2026.
Google launched Gemini with capabilities similar to Assistant, including control of smart devices connected to phones. The AI-powered chatbot became the default assistant on the Pixel 9 Series in 2024. The company has integrated Gemini across its products and plans to upgrade tablets, cars, and connected devices such as headphones and watches.
Eligible devices must run Android 10 or later and have at least 2 GB of RAM to receive the Gemini upgrade. Assistant’s retirement aligns with Google’s shift toward its new AI assistant as the primary digital helper for users.
