- Google Assistant will stop working on September 4th.
- Gemini will be the new default assistant on Android and linked devices.
- Cars with Google Assistant built in will retain it after that date.
- The transition will be gradual and, once completed, there will be no going back.
Google has set a date for the end of an era. The Google Assistant, that voice companion that has been with us for almost a decade, will say its final goodbye on September 4th. The company has informed users via email, confirming that its place will be taken by Gemini, the new assistant based on generative artificial intelligence.
The news isn't entirely unexpected, as the transition has been in the works for months. In fact, Google had announced its intention to retire the veteran assistant by the end of 2025, but ultimately decided to extend the deadline. Now, with a concrete date set, the farewell process is about to begin and will be completed gradually.
The end of an era: Google Assistant says goodbye
Since its launch in 2016, Google Assistant has become indispensable for millions of people. With the famous phrase "Hey Google" or "OK Google," users could set alarms, send messages, control smart devices, or search for information using only their voice. But times change, and the rise of generative AI has led Google to invest in a more powerful and conversational model.
As the company confirmed in a statement sent to users, the Assistant will no longer be available on phones, tablets, and linked devices starting September 4th. The removal will not be immediate for everyone; it will be rolled out gradually and could take several weeks to complete. This means that some users will retain access for a while longer, but once the change occurs, there will be no way to revert to the previous version.
Furthermore, Google has clarified that it will no longer be possible to switch between Assistant and Gemini. Those who still have the option to change it in their settings should be aware that this button will no longer function once the migration is applied to their account.
Which devices are affected
The farewell doesn't just affect mobile phones. The list of devices that will lose the Assistant is extensive and includes compatible Android phones, tablets, Wear OS watches, headphones, and vehicles using Android Auto projected from the phone . On all of these, Gemini will become the default assistant, provided the device meets the minimum requirements and is located in a region where the service is available.
But there's a notable exception for drivers. Cars with Google built-in—that is, those with the system installed from the factory—will continue to work with Google Assistant after September 4. Google hasn't given a date for that change, although all indications suggest they will also eventually migrate to Gemini.
Gemini takes over
With this transition, Gemini becomes the sole assistant for most Android devices. The new platform, powered by generative artificial intelligence, offers more natural responses and the ability to hold complex conversations. However, users will notice differences in interaction, as Gemini sometimes requires unlocking the phone for certain tasks, something that wasn't the case with the classic assistant.
Google claims the change aims to offer a more complete experience and that the transition will be seamless. In the email sent to users, the company emphasizes that Gemini is "committed to providing a smooth transition" and that it will result in "an even more capable and useful assistant experience ." However, not everyone is convinced. On forums like Reddit, some users have expressed their dissatisfaction with Gemini, pointing out that it fails at simple tasks that the Assistant performed flawlessly, such as calling a contact while driving.
Despite the criticism, Google's roadmap is clear: Gemini is the future, and the Assistant is becoming a thing of the past. Users who want to continue using their voice to control their devices will have to adapt to the new rules of the game.
Exceptions and an uncertain future
Not all devices in the Google ecosystem will lose the Assistant immediately. For now, Google Home smart speakers and displays, as well as TVs with Google TV, will continue to use the classic Assistant. Google hasn't specified when Gemini will arrive on these devices, but the migration is expected to happen in the coming months.
Another notable exception is phones with older versions of Android. As announced, devices with Android 9 or earlier and less than 2GB of RAM may retain a "legacy" version of the Assistant for basic functions, similar to how Gemini Go is available on entry-level phones . Devices that don't meet Gemini's requirements or are located in regions where the new assistant isn't yet available will also not be affected.
In any case, September 4th marks the beginning of the final shutdown. From then on, with a few exceptions, Android will be handled by Gemini. Users who want to continue using Google Assistant will have to find a solution on unlinked devices or in cars with integrated systems , which maintain compatibility for now.
Reactions and perspectives
The news has generated mixed opinions among users. While some welcome the arrival of Gemini and its advanced capabilities, others lament the loss of an assistant that, despite being more limited, was extremely reliable for everyday tasks. On social media, there has been no shortage of complaints about Gemini's glitches in simple actions, such as reminders or calls.
Google, for its part, insists that the change is necessary to advance in the field of artificial intelligence. The company has been integrating Gemini features into the Assistant for some time, and now it's taking the final leap. The goal is to unify the experience and offer an assistant that not only responds to commands, but also understands context and holds natural conversations.
Google Assistant thus joins the long list of services that the company has retired throughout its history. Although its farewell is not immediate, September 4th will mark the beginning of a transition that, barring any surprises, will leave Gemini as the sole voice command provider in the Android ecosystem.
With the clock striking September 4th, Google will close a chapter that has lasted a decade. The decision has been made, and there's no going back. Users who haven't yet adapted to Gemini will have to do so, even if reluctantly. However, there will always be the option of cars with Google built-in, which for now are keeping the veteran assistant alive. The future, as expected, belongs to generative artificial intelligence.
