Google has officially announced that it will replace Assistant with Gemini later this year. The only exceptions will be devices running older versions of Android.
A little over a year after its initial launch and several major feature updates, Gemini will take the place of Google Assistant, which has been active on Android phones since 2016. Ahead of this announcement, Google also made Gemini Deep Research available to all users.
“We believe that Assistant should be personal to you and aware of the world around you. It should be able to interact with the apps and services you already use. It should make you more productive, creative, and interesting,” Google states.
Phones running Android 9 or earlier versions, and devices without at least 2 GB of RAM, will continue to use Assistant. However, the usual Google Assistant will no longer be available on most mobile devices starting later this year. Users will be notified in advance and receive more precise information about the update in the coming months.
Improvements to Gemini and Transition Process
Google has already started replacing the Assistant on Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, and Motorola devices launched last year. On these phones, Gemini has become the default assistant, and the company mentions that “millions of people have already made the switch.” When Gemini was introduced in February 2024, it lacked many of the features typically offered by Google Assistant. At that time, users could easily switch back to the previous assistant if needed. Since then, the Gemini app has received numerous feature updates.
“In the meantime, we’re continuing to focus on improving the everyday experience of Gemini, especially for those who rely on Google Assistant. We’ve updated the app to support more of the most requested features, like playing music, setting timers, or taking actions from the lock screen,” Google emphasizes.
Future Plans and Supported Devices
Beyond smartphones, Gemini will soon be available on tablets, cars, and devices that interact with your phone, such as headphones and watches, adds NIXsolutions. Separate home devices with Google Assistant, including speakers, displays, and TVs, will also be updated accordingly.
We’ll keep you updated as Google continues rolling out Gemini and announces more details about the transition.