Google has officially confirmed that its plan to replace Google Assistant with its next-generation AI, Gemini, on Android devices will now stretch into 2026. The company had previously aimed to complete the transition by the end of 2025, but is extending the timeline to ensure a smoother, less disruptive rollout for users.
The move underscores Google’s emphasis on reliability and readiness before fully phasing out Assistant — a digital assistant that has been a core part of Android for nearly a decade.
Why the Timeline Shift Matters
Google stated that the transition from Assistant to Gemini on Android will continue throughout 2026 instead of finishing in 2025. The extension is aimed at giving the company more time to address compatibility, user experience, and feature parity with existing Assistant capabilities before forcing a complete switch.
This delay means:
Google Assistant will remain available on Android phones and tablets into early 2026.
Standalone Assistant apps may continue to work until the phase-out is complete.
Users may still switch back to Assistant from within the Gemini app during the transition.
How the Transition Will Work
Gemini has already been integrated into several parts of Google’s ecosystem, including Wear OS smartwatches, Android Auto, and smart home devices, but its replacement of the legacy Assistant on Android handsets will happen more gradually.
Once the full transition is complete in 2026:
Google Assistant will no longer be available on supported Android devices or in app stores.
Gemini, built around more advanced AI capabilities, will become the default AI assistant for Android.
What Gemini Brings Compared With Assistant
Gemini represents a shift from traditional digital assistants toward a generative AI-driven experience that aims to deliver more conversational, context-aware, and personalized interactions. It is designed to combine features like:
Enhanced natural language understanding
Integrated multimodal capabilities
Deeper context awareness in long conversations
Although Google hasn’t published full details on every difference yet, the broader deployment of Gemini plays into the company’s strategy to embed generative AI more deeply into everyday Android interactions.
What This Means for Users
For now, Android users can continue using Google Assistant as before while Gemini gradually expands its feature set and compatibility. The delay into 2026 gives users and developers more time to adapt to the evolving AI assistant ecosystem.
If you rely heavily on voice commands, routines, or smart device control, this extended period with both assistants available may ease the transition once Gemini fully assumes the role of default AI assistant later next year.