Overview
- Google notified users that it will begin a multi-week, phased rollout on 4 September 2026 that will disable Google Assistant on compatible Android phones, tablets, Wear OS watches, supported earbuds and many Android Auto setups.
- Once a device is migrated to Gemini the change cannot be undone and the built-in choice between Google Assistant and Gemini on mobile will be removed while Android settings still allow selection of other installed assistant apps.
- Google says familiar activation methods such as the “Hey Google” wake phrase and long-press of the power button will continue to work and that Gemini will handle existing voice commands while offering more generative, conversational capabilities.
- Reports disagree on exact minimum requirements but multiple sources say Gemini needs roughly 2 GB of RAM and a recent Android version (reports cite Android 9 or Android 10), so devices or regions that do not meet those requirements will remain on Assistant for now.
- The move, first announced in March 2025 after earlier delays, consolidates more app access and Android 17’s Gemini Intelligence features into a single assistant and could change how system tasks, permissions and device integrations are handled going forward.