Google is set to retire its mobile Assistant service on September 4, marking the end of the pre-AI assistant on Android devices. Users will be required to transition to Gemini, the company's new AI model, as part of a broader shift in its voice assistant ecosystem. The decision follows a delayed retirement plan that was initially scheduled for late 2025, but was postponed as Google refined Gemini's capabilities.
The email sent to users confirms that Assistant will be disabled starting on September 4, though the process may take several weeks to complete. Those who have already switched to Gemini will see no changes, while others may still have limited access to Assistant for a short time. The move also impacts smartwatches, headphones, and vehicles with Android Auto, which will be forced to use Gemini for smart features. Most of Google’s smart home devices have already transitioned to Gemini, but some platforms like Android TVs and set-top boxes will transition later, with no set date yet.
Google’s decision reflects its broader strategy to phase out its older voice assistant technology in favor of Gemini. Assistant will no longer be available on phones after September 4, with users either using the new AI-based assistant or disabling voice control entirely. The shift comes as Gemini is expected to handle more complex tasks through integrated tools, unlike the older Assistant, which offered a more predictable but limited experience.
Source: arstechnica
