Overview
- Google told users in emails sent Aug. 5 that it will begin removing access to Google Assistant on Sept. 4 and that the rollout could take several weeks to reach everyone.
- Once a device is switched during the rollout, users cannot revert to Google Assistant and invoking the assistant (for example saying “Hey Google” or long‑pressing the power button) will launch Gemini instead.
- The deprecation covers Android phones and tablets and extends to paired hardware such as Wear OS watches, compatible headphones and Android Auto projected from a phone, while cars with Google built in and some home and TV devices are excluded from this immediate change.
- Reporters and analysts warn that some Assistant routines, integrations and stored settings may not migrate to Gemini, that Google is not offering an opt‑out or a guaranteed export format, and that devices that fail Gemini’s minimum requirements or are in unsupported regions will keep Assistant for now.
- Assistant debuted in 2016 and Google delayed an earlier 2025 retirement to 2026 as it moved users to Gemini, a generative AI assistant; the switch could disrupt automations, accessory behavior and third‑party integrations and will be closely watched by developers and users.