Google Assistant to shut down on Android and Wear OS in September 2026

Google will shut down Google Assistant on Android and Wear OS devices starting September 4, 2026, permanently replacing it with its AI successor, Gemini. The transition, announced to users via email, will affect phones, tablets, watches, and Android Auto, with no option to revert. While cars with 'Google built-in', Google Home, and Google TV devices will retain Assistant for now, the move raises questions about Gemini's reliability for simple tasks.

Google Assistant shutdown timeline

• ▪The shutdown of Google Assistant was originally planned for 2025 but was delayed to 2026
• ▪Google will begin shutting down Google Assistant on September 4, 2026
• ▪The shutdown process for Google Assistant is expected to take a few weeks to reach all users
• ▪Once the shutdown is complete, users will not be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on affected devices

Gemini replacement strategy

• ▪The transition to Gemini raises questions about whether the general-purpose AI can match Google Assistant's reliability for simple commands
• ▪Google announced the shutdown of its Assistant to users via an email
• ▪Gemini is also being rolled out to Google TV, Google Home speakers, and smart displays
• ▪In regions where Gemini is available, users with devices meeting minimum requirements will only have access to the new AI assistant
• ▪Google's AI-powered successor, Gemini, will take over assistant duties from Google Assistant on Android devices

Device compatibility impact

• ▪The Google Assistant shutdown affects Android phones, tablets, Wear OS watches, headphones, and vehicles with Android Auto
• ▪Google Home speakers and Google TV devices will not be affected by the September 2026 shutdown of Google Assistant
• ▪Cars with 'Google built-in' will retain access to Google Assistant for the time being