Google has begun notifying users that Google Assistant will be phased out from Android smartphones starting September 4, with its AI-powered chatbot Gemini replacing the service.
According to user posts on Reddit and X, the company has started sending emails informing users that the transition will begin on September 4 and will be rolled out over the following weeks.
Once the migration is complete, users will no longer be able to switch back to Google Assistant on eligible Android smartphones, tablets, or paired devices.
Gemini will become the default assistant on supported Android devices and can be activated by saying "Hey Google" or by long-pressing the power button. Google said that setting Gemini as the default assistant on a smartphone will automatically make it the assistant on paired Wear OS smartwatches and compatible headphones and earphones.
Gemini supports many of the functions available in Google Assistant, including setting timers, answering questions, controlling smart home devices, playing music and performing actions from the lock screen. It also offers additional AI-powered capabilities.
Google Assistant, introduced in May 2016, has been part of the Android ecosystem and other Google products for nearly a decade.
Google announced in March last year that Gemini would replace Google Assistant across Android phones, tablets, smartwatches, cars, televisions and other supported devices. The company had initially planned to discontinue Google Assistant by March 2026, but the transition was delayed. In recent months, Google has continued adding new features and capabilities to Gemini.