Google’s plan to swap out Google Assistant for the Gemini app on Android just got a little more breathing room.
Back in March, Google said it would start upgrading Assistant users to Gemini “over the coming months,” with the classic Google Assistant becoming unavailable on most mobile devices later in 2025. Now, in a fresh update spotted by 9to5Google, Google says the transition will continue into 2026 as it works to ensure a “seamless transition,” with more details promised in the months ahead.
The key change: no longer a “2025-only” transition
The new guidance doesn’t include a firm cutoff date—just that the migration work will extend “into 2026.” Google also hasn’t spelled out which devices are still in the queue or what specific issues are driving the longer runway.
In practical terms, it means Assistant isn’t being yanked out from under everyone on a single date. The changeover is still happening, but Google is pacing it.
Newer phones default to Gemini, but Assistant isn’t always gone yet
On newer devices, Gemini is increasingly the default assistant experience. But it’s not accurate to say there’s “no sign” of Google Assistant on new hardware—Google still allows many users to switch back to Google Assistant in settings (at least for now), even on newer models.
On older Android phones, the situation is even more mixed: plenty of users can run Gemini and still access Assistant, choosing between them depending on the task.
What happens when the switch is finished
When Google finally completes the migration, the direction remains the same: Gemini becomes the standard assistant on supported Android phones and tablets.
Google has also been clear that some older devices won’t make the jump. Phones that don’t meet Gemini’s minimum requirements (for example, older hardware that can’t support Gemini) are expected to be treated differently—so it’s not correct to say Assistant will stop working on all Android devices across the board.
Android Auto already has a clearer date
While Android phones/tablets now have a fuzzier “into 2026” timeline, Android Auto is more specific: Google’s documentation indicates Google Assistant will remain available in Android Auto until March 2026, after which Gemini becomes the default experience there.
Smart home devices are part of the shift, too
Google is also working through a Gemini transition for smart home products. Guidance for Gemini on Google Nest devices has pointed to compatibility for Google speakers and displays going back to 2016, and broader reporting suggests a wide range of Home/Nest hardware is included.
Even so, smart home is a tougher migration than a phone app swap: voice routines, device controls, and legacy integrations can behave differently, and those rough edges are likely one reason Google is emphasizing a “seamless transition” rather than locking itself to an aggressive deadline.
For now, if you’re still on Google Assistant on Android, the bottom line is simple: you’ve got more time—and Google’s Gemini takeover is still coming, just on a longer runway.