Google Assistant to disappear from Android phones and connected devices in September

Google has officially confirmed that its Assistant will be removed from Android smartphones and tablets, as well as WearOS watches and other associated devices. The company has begun notifying users by email that Assistant will fade away from these products starting September 4. The process may take a few weeks to reach everyone.

The transition will apply to Android phones that meet the minimum specifications required to run Gemini, and only in regions where the new chatbot is available. Paired devices such as headphones that support Gemini will also be affected. However, Google TV, Google Home smart displays, and other smart home devices remain unchanged for now.

Previously, Google stated that a legacy version of Assistant will remain on phones running Android 9 or older with less than 2GB of RAM to handle basic tasks. Assistant will also still be available in cars with Google built-in, but not in vehicles running Android Auto projected from a user's mobile phone.

Users who do not yet have Gemini on their Android device can download the Gemini app from the Play Store to get started. Others may continue to use their devices without the chatbot. Google has also reminded that its latest Pixel devices will be unveiled on August 12, where more about the company's AI plans may be revealed.