Goodbye, Google Assistant, as Google announces its deprecation date

Google has confirmed a firm start date for the retirement of Google Assistant on mobile devices, with the company set to begin removing access on September 4, 2026. The announcement came via emails sent to existing Assistant users, which was posted on Reddit by user u/KxgOEjg7GcQqQsK

The email states that Google Assistant is "being discontinued" and that Gemini is now "the assistant experience on Android." The process will take place over several weeks following that date. Once the change is applied to a device, users will no longer be able to use Google Assistant or switch back to it on their phone, tablet, or paired devices. 

The shutdown extends beyond phones. Gemini will also replace Google Assistant on Wear OS watches, headphones and earbuds compatible with Gemini, and vehicles running Android Auto projected from a user's mobile device. Cars with Google built-in will retain Google Assistant beyond September 4.

Users whose devices do not meet Gemini's minimum requirements or who live in unsupported regions may continue using Google Assistant past the cutoff.