It's the end of Google Assistant on Android

In an email to users, Google announced it will start retiring its historic voice assistant from September 4, 2026. Smartphones will not all transition to Gemini on the same day, but Google warns that Google Assistant will no longer be available once the transition is triggered. Since 2024, users in France could choose Gemini as default assistant but could still switch back to Google Assistant; this option will disappear. After migration, saying 'OK Google' or long-pressing the power button will launch Gemini. The hardware requirements are modest: the Gemini app works on smartphones and tablets with at least 2 GB of RAM and Android 9. In France, most devices should be eligible. Very old products, regions where Gemini is not offered, and some incompatible accounts may keep Google Assistant. Gemini represents a real evolution for Android users, leveraging Google's large language models to understand vague requests, maintain context, analyze the screen, and interact with services like Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, or Google Calendar, but replacing Google Assistant poses challenges: the old software was limited but faster for making calls, setting timers, sending messages, or controlling smart devices. Google had to gradually rebuild these features in Gemini, explaining the late replacement. The September 4 date affects not only smartphones but also paired devices: compatible Android tablets, Wear OS watches, compatible earphones, and vehicles using Android Auto from a smartphone. In these cases, users cannot revert to Google Assistant. An exception exists for cars equipped with Google built-in, where Android is integrated directly; Google Assistant will continue working there after the date, with migration later. Google Home and Nest speakers, smart displays, and Google TV devices follow their own timeline, with Gemini for Home in early access since April 2026, so Google Assistant will survive on speakers for a while longer.