Google has confirmed it will begin phasing out access to Google Assistant on Android phones and tablets from 4 September 2026, replacing it entirely with its Gemini AI assistant. The move marks the effective end of Assistant on mobile devices, following earlier plans to retire it in 2025 that were delayed until this year. It matters because millions of Android users who have relied on the voice assistant for over a decade will be pushed onto Gemini, with no option to switch back once the change takes effect on their device.

The news emerged via an email reportedly sent by Google to some users, first reported by 9to5Google and shared on Reddit; The Verge has sought official confirmation. Google says removal will begin on 4 September and roll out over several weeks, affecting phones, tablets and paired devices such as Wear OS smartwatches, headphones, earbuds and Android Auto-equipped cars, provided Gemini is available in the user's region and their device meets the minimum requirements. Cars using Google built-in will keep Assistant for now, and Google Home and Google TV devices appear unaffected by this announcement, meaning Assistant will persist in some form beyond September.