Google sets timeline for Google Assistant as Gemini gears up to become default Android AI

Google has confirmed that Google Assistant will be retired after March 2026, clearing the way for Gemini to become Android’s universal, AI-first voice assistant.

Google will sunset Google Assistant and make Gemini Android’s default on-device AI after March 2026.

The move ends a decade-long run for Google’s first virtual assistant, which launched in 2016 and quickly became embedded across Android phones, Wear OS, smart speakers, displays, and cars – but has increasingly lagged behind newer, more conversational AI systems.

Google quietly published the timeline through an Android Auto support page, later clarifying the transition in a broader statement.

The company said: “Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Learn more about what you can do with Gemini, privacy, protection of minors and availability for supported devices, languages and territories.

“Gemini will understand the same commands as Google Assistant and also give you the option to speak naturally. Google Assistant is still available for use until March 2026.

The pivot reflects Google’s shift since launching Gemini – previously known as Bard – in 2023.

Over the past year, Google has made Gemini the default assistant on Pixel phones, begun phasing out overlapping Assistant features, and stripped key abilities from Assistant such as voice-controlled photo frame and ambient mode settings.

Those actions, Google says, can now be completed more effectively through Gemini’s expanded voice and AI tooling.

The company is also purging “Hey Google” and other Assistant-specific branding from Android system apps, according to findings from Android Authority, underscoring how aggressively Google is preparing for a single-assistant future.

Voice Match, Assistant settings, and older command menus are gradually being renamed, deprecated, or folded into Gemini’s controls.

When the cutoff arrives next year, Android users, Wear OS owners, and many smart home device users will be left with Gemini as their primary voice interface.

Google maintains that Gemini is faster, more capable, and more flexible, and that it will support all existing Assistant commands while enabling richer conversational features.