Google kills Assistant on Android phones starting September 4

Google will remove its Google Assistant from Android phones, tablets, WearOS watches, and certain connected devices starting September 4, 2026, according to an email sent to users. The move marks the final phase of the company's shift to its newer Gemini chatbot.

Users of Android phones that meet the minimum specifications for Gemini and are in regions where Gemini is available will lose access to Assistant. Paired devices such as headphones that can support Gemini will also be affected. However, Assistant will remain on Google TV, Google Home, and smart displays for now, and a legacy version will persist on phones running Android 9 or older with less than 2GB of RAM for basic tasks. Assistant will also stay available in cars with Google built-in, but not on vehicles using Android Auto projected from a mobile device.

The transition, expected to take a few weeks to reach all users, underscores Google's push to consolidate its AI offerings under Gemini. After the removal, users will no longer be able to use Assistant on the impacted devices, pushing them toward the Gemini app, which can be downloaded from the Play Store.

Google's email, reported by 9to5Google, confirms the September 4 start date for the phase-out. The company has been gradually replacing Assistant with Gemini across its ecosystem, and this step eliminates the older assistant from most personal devices. The legacy version on low-RAM phones ensures basic functionality remains for older hardware.

Google previously indicated that Assistant would be phased out as Gemini matured, and this timeline aligns with that strategy. The company is set to unveil its latest Pixel devices on August 12, 2026, which may further highlight Gemini's role in its hardware and software plans.

For users who want to continue using a voice assistant, downloading Gemini is the recommended path. Those who prefer not to use the chatbot may lose assistant functionality on their devices entirely after the transition completes.