Google has confirmed that Gemini will begin replacing Google Assistant on supported Android phones and tablets from September 4, marking the start of a phased rollout that will retire the company’s long-running voice assistant. The transition will take place over several weeks, with Gemini becoming the default assistant on eligible devices.
Google originally planned to phase out Google Assistant in late 2025 but delayed the move while expanding Gemini’s capabilities. The company now says Gemini is ready to become the primary assistant experience across supported Android devices.
The transition extends beyond smartphones. Wear OS smartwatches, headphones and earbuds connected to Android devices, and Android Auto will also move from Google Assistant to Gemini because they rely on compatible Android phones for many voice-powered features.
However, not every Google-powered device is changing immediately. Google TV and Android TV devices, Google Home speakers and smart displays, and vehicles with Google built-in will continue using Google Assistant for now. Google said Gemini will arrive on those platforms at a later date, although it has not announced a timeline.
Some users may continue using Google Assistant temporarily. Devices that do not meet Gemini’s minimum hardware requirements, or are located in regions where Gemini is not yet available, will remain on Assistant until they become eligible for the upgrade.
Google Assistant debuted in 2016 and has served as Android’s default voice assistant for nearly a decade. Its retirement marks one of Google’s biggest consumer AI transitions, replacing a rule-based digital assistant with Gemini’s generative AI technology.
According to Google, Gemini is designed to handle more natural conversations and more complex requests while continuing to support everyday voice commands. Once the rollout reaches eligible devices, users will no longer be able to switch back to Google Assistant.
The move reflects Google’s broader strategy of integrating Gemini across its products and services as competition in generative AI continues to intensify. As the rollout expands over the coming weeks, millions of Android users will begin transitioning from Google Assistant to Gemini, bringing one of Android’s most familiar features to an end while ushering in a new generation of AI-powered assistance.
