Google to Retire Assistant on Mobile Devices From September 4

Google launched Google Assistant in 2016, using advances in speech recognition and natural-language processing to help users search, set alarms and control connected devices. The company’s subsequent rollout of Gemini shifted its strategy toward generative AI, with a more conversational system able to handle broader and more complex requests. Retiring the legacy service marks a significant change to the default assistance layer across Android and underscores Google’s push to make Gemini the primary interface for users interacting with its software and hardware ecosystem.

Google has notified users that it will begin removing access to Google Assistant on mobile devices on September 4, 2026, with the rollout expected to take several weeks. Once access is withdrawn, users will no longer be able to use or switch back to Assistant on phones, tablets or paired devices, including Wear OS watches, compatible headphones and Android Auto vehicles projected from a phone. Eligible devices in supported regions will use Gemini instead, while cars with Google built-in will retain Assistant beyond the September deadline.