In a significant shift of plans, Google has officially delayed its ambitious project to replace the long-serving Google Assistant with its new AI-powered Gemini on Android smartphones and tablets. The tech giant has moved the completion deadline from the end of 2025 into 2026, aiming to ensure a more seamless migration for its vast user base.
Why the Delay? Google Cites Need for Smoother Transition
The announcement came via an official post on Google's Gemini Apps community forum. With less than two weeks left in 2025, the company acknowledged that more time was required to properly upgrade users to the Gemini platform. The primary reason cited is the need for a "seamless transition," indicating that the technical or user-experience hurdles were greater than initially anticipated.
This move marks a pivotal moment for Google's voice assistant strategy. Google Assistant, which first launched in 2016, is concluding its nine-year run as the company's primary mobile helper. The decision to replace it was announced in March 2025, driven by the rapid rise of generative AI capabilities that Gemini embodies.
What Happens When Gemini Finally Arrives?
Once the transition is ultimately completed, the change will be definitive for most users. Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on devices that meet Gemini's minimum requirements, which are Android 10 or a later version with at least 2GB of RAM. Furthermore, the standalone Google Assistant app will be removed from mobile app stores like Google Play.
Google has promised to share a more detailed revised rollout timeline in the coming months, though it has not yet specified a particular deadline within 2026.
Gemini's Expansion Continues on Other Platforms
While the Android mobile rollout faces a setback, Google's integration of Gemini across its other ecosystems is progressing. The company has successfully deployed Gemini to several other platforms, including:
- Wear OS smartwatches
- Android Auto for vehicles
- Google Home smart devices
Recently, Google also introduced new features on these platforms that allow users to perform core tasks—like making phone calls, setting timers, and sending messages—through Gemini without mandatory AI training data collection, addressing some privacy concerns.
This staggered approach shows Google's strategy of refining Gemini on less complex or more controlled platforms before tackling the immense diversity of the Android smartphone market. The delay underscores the complexity of replacing a deeply integrated system used by millions daily, ensuring the next-generation AI assistant is truly ready for prime time.
