Google is set to discontinue its Google Assistant service on Android and Wear OS starting September 4, 2026. The company has informed existing users that Gemini, its AI-powered successor, will take over assistant functions on these platforms. The shutdown will affect smartphones, tablets, Wear OS watches, headphones, and vehicles running Android Auto. Google stated that Assistant will remain available for now in cars with 'Google built-in.'
The rollout of Gemini is expected to take several weeks to reach all users, and once completed, Assistant will no longer function, with no option to revert to the previous system. The original plan for the shutdown was set for 2025 but was delayed to 2026. Gemini will also be introduced to Google TV, Google Home speakers, and smart displays. This transition represents a significant shift, as it tests whether a general-purpose AI system like Gemini can reliably handle everyday tasks such as controlling smart home devices or basic phone functions, which the deterministic Assistant previously managed with ease.
Google's phone assistant could face challenges due to the inherent unpredictability of probability-based large language models. The move is seen as a logical step forward, but it also raises questions about the reliability of AI in managing routine tasks. Source: thedecoder
