Google has begun the process of retiring Google Assistant on Android, with Gemini officially taking over as the default AI assistant starting September 4, 2026. The rollout is happening gradually over several weeks, but the change marks the end of a nearly 10-year run for Assistant, which first launched in 2016.
What’s Changing
Once a device receives the update, Gemini becomes the only voice assistant available — there’s no option to switch back to Google Assistant. The transition affects Android phones and tablets, Wear OS smartwatches, paired headphones and earbuds, and Android Auto when projected from a phone.
Users will still be able to trigger the assistant the same way they always have, saying “Hey Google” or long-pressing the power button, but Gemini will now handle everything from setting alarms and timers to answering questions, playing music, and controlling smart home devices.
What’s Not Changing (Yet)
Not every device is affected in this wave. Cars with Google Built-in software will continue running Google Assistant beyond the September cutoff, and standalone Google Home speakers, Google TV, and smart displays aren’t part of this transition either — Gemini is still rolling out to those separately.
Why It Matters
Gemini brings capabilities Assistant never had, including the ability to maintain context across a conversation and handle more complex, multi-step requests. But the switch is permanent for affected devices, meaning any custom routines, voice shortcuts, or third-party integrations built around Assistant will need to be tested under Gemini to make sure they still work.
For most everyday users, the transition should feel seamless, but anyone who relies heavily on Assistant-specific routines should check their setup once the update lands on their device.