Google to remove Assistant from Android phones September 4

Google will begin removing access to Google Assistant on Android phones, tablets, and paired devices starting September 4, 2026, according to an email sent to some users and reported by 9to5Google. The Verge has asked Google for confirmation of the email's accuracy. The removal process is expected to take a few weeks to reach all users. Once access is removed, users will no longer be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on their phone, tablet, or paired devices. Google states in the email, "We will begin removing access to Google Assistant starting on 4 September, and expect that this process may take a few weeks to reach everyone." The change affects users in regions where Gemini is available and whose devices meet minimum requirements; they will only have access to the AI-enabled assistant. Paired devices including Wear OS smartwatches, headphones, earbuds, and cars running Android Auto will also lose Google Assistant access. Cars running Google built-in will retain Assistant access for now. Google Home and Google TV devices are not affected by this announcement, so Assistant will continue to function on those platforms past September. Google had previously planned to end Assistant access for most mobile devices in 2025, but the shutdown was delayed to this year. The September 4 date marks the start of the phase-out, pushing Assistant closer to joining the Google Graveyard.