Google Retires Google Assistant in September 2026, Gemini Takes Over on Android and Wear OS

Google has announced that it will discontinue the Google Assistant on Android and Wear OS starting September 4, 2026. The company informed existing users via email that Gemini will take over the assistant function on Android as an AI-powered replacement. The shutdown affects smartphones, tablets, Wear OS watches, headphones, and vehicles with Android Auto. In cars with 'Google built-in', the Assistant will reportedly remain available for now. The process may take several weeks to reach all users, after which the Assistant can no longer be used or switched back to. Originally planned for 2025, the end was postponed to 2026, according to 9to5Google. Gemini is also expected to come to Google TV, Google Home speakers, and Smart Displays. The move makes sense, but it will partly be a litmus test for the Gemini AI: can the general-purpose system deliver the same reliability in daily use for simple user commands in the smart home or smartphone control as the deterministic Assistant, or will Google's smartphone assistance fall victim to the vulnerabilities of probabilistic LLMs?