Google Assistant is disappearing from Android Auto soon, and Gemini isn't ready to replace it

Google Assistant is set to be discontinued on Android and Wear OS devices starting September 4, 2026, Google has announced. In its place, Gemini, the company's next-generation AI-powered assistant, will take over. Users will no longer be able to access or switch back to Google Assistant on their mobile devices, tablets, or paired devices once the removal process is complete, which could take several weeks.

Wear OS watches, headphones, and vehicles with Android Auto that connect to a user's mobile device will also lose access to Google Assistant after the specified date. However, for vehicles with built-in Google, Assistant will continue to function beyond September 4, 2026. The deprecation announcement initially targeted the end of 2025 but was postponed to 2026.

The company assures users that the transition to Gemini will be smooth and that Gemini will offer an even more capable and helpful assistant experience. While the deprecation applies to most form factors, it remains uncertain when Gemini will be introduced to docked Pixel Tablets. The option to switch to Google Assistant is still available in the Gemini app for now.