TITLE: Google Delays Gemini Replacement of Assistant on Android to 2026

Google Postpones Assistant to Gemini Switch on Android

Google Inc. has adjusted its timeline for replacing the Google Assistant voice assistant with its Gemini AI model on Android devices, pushing the full transition into 2026. The company originally planned to complete the upgrade by the end of 2025 but stated on Friday that it will extend the process to ensure a seamless experience for users.

"We’re adjusting our previously announced timeline to make sure we deliver a seamless transition," Google said in a statement. This delay applies specifically to mobile Android devices, where Assistant remains the default voice interface for now.

Once the transition is finalized, users on devices meeting the minimum requirements for Gemini will lose access to Google Assistant. The standalone Google Assistant app will also no longer be available for download, marking the end of support for the long-standing voice assistant that debuted in 2016.

Existing Integrations and Recent Developments

Gemini has already been rolled out to several Google ecosystems outside of core Android phones and tablets. It powers voice interactions on Wear OS smartwatches, Android Auto for in-car assistance, and smart home devices including Nest and Google Home products. These integrations have paved the way for broader adoption, allowing users to experience Gemini's advanced AI capabilities in targeted environments.

Throughout 2025, Google has incrementally enhanced Gemini's functionality to bridge the gap with Assistant. A key update this year enabled users to perform common tasks—such as initiating phone calls, setting timers, and sending messages—directly through Gemini without enabling Gemini Apps Activity. This feature respects user privacy by allowing opt-out from data usage in AI training while still providing assistant-like services.

The move reflects Google's ongoing shift toward unifying its AI offerings under the Gemini banner, which was introduced in late 2023 as a multimodal model capable of handling text, images, audio, and video. Assistant, while reliable, has been overshadowed by newer AI advancements, prompting the company to accelerate its phase-out where feasible.

Implications for Users and Devices

For Android users, the delay means continued reliance on Assistant for voice commands, reminders, and smart home controls through at least early 2026. Devices must meet specific hardware and software thresholds to support Gemini, including sufficient processing power for on-device AI tasks. Google has not detailed which models will be affected first, but the transition is expected to prioritize newer flagships like the Pixel series and compatible Samsung Galaxy devices.

Privacy considerations remain central to the rollout. By decoupling basic functions from data training, Google aims to address concerns over AI model improvement at the expense of user data. However, full Gemini adoption will require users to adapt to its interface and capabilities, which differ from Assistant's more straightforward design.

Industry analysts view the extension as a pragmatic step, given the complexity of migrating millions of devices without disrupting daily workflows. Google's ecosystem spans billions of Android activations worldwide, making a rushed transition risky for user satisfaction and market share.

Broader Context in AI Evolution

This announcement comes amid rapid advancements in consumer AI. Competitors like Apple with Siri enhancements and Amazon with Alexa updates are also integrating generative AI, intensifying pressure on Google to refine its offerings. Gemini's expansion underscores the company's bet on large language models to redefine voice interactions, potentially enabling more contextual and proactive assistance.

As the 2026 deadline approaches, Google is likely to provide more granular updates on compatibility, migration tools, and feature parity. For now, Android users can experiment with Gemini via the optional app, offering a preview of the forthcoming default experience.