Google has confirmed it will begin phasing out Google Assistant on Android devices starting September 4, 2026, marking the end of the voice assistant’s nearly decade-long run. The transition will happen gradually over several weeks, with users being migrated to Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant.
Once the change reaches an eligible device, users will no longer have the option to switch back to Google Assistant, making Gemini the default digital assistant across supported Android devices.
The rollout will affect Android smartphones and tablets, Wear OS smartwatches, connected headphones and earbuds, as well as vehicles using Android Auto through a paired smartphone. However, cars equipped with Google built-in will continue to support Google Assistant for the time being. Google Home smart speakers, smart displays, and Google TV devices are also excluded from this initial phase of the transition.
Google Assistant debuted in 2016 as the company’s response to competing voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa. In March 2025, Google announced plans to replace the platform with Gemini, positioning its generative AI technology as a more advanced assistant capable of delivering conversational, personalised, and context-aware interactions.
Gemini already supports many of the everyday functions previously handled by Google Assistant, including setting alarms and timers, controlling music playback, and performing actions directly from the lock screen. It also introduces AI-powered capabilities such as Gemini Live for real-time conversations and Deep Research for more in-depth information gathering.
UAE users to transition to Gemini
Android users in the UAE can already access Gemini through the official Android app and mobile assistant experience. As Google expands the rollout, eligible devices in the country will automatically transition to Gemini, which will become the only supported Google assistant on those devices.
Google noted that September 4 marks the beginning of the global shutdown process rather than the date Google Assistant will disappear from every Android device. The company has not announced a country-by-country or manufacturer-specific rollout schedule, meaning the migration timeline may vary depending on the device and region.
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