Google delays Gemini Android upgrade to 2026 for devices

• Google has pushed the timeline for replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on Android into 2026.
• The company said it will "continue our work to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini on mobile devices into 2026."
• Once the transition finishes, eligible devices will no longer be able to access or reinstall the Google Assistant app.
• Gemini is already available on Wear OS, Android Auto, Nest and Google Home devices.

What changed

Google announced a timeline adjustment: the planned completion of migrating Android devices from Google Assistant to Gemini will now extend into 2026 rather than finishing by the end of 2025.

Official wording and context

In a support update, Google said it will "continue our work to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini on mobile devices into 2026" and added it is "adjusting our previously announced timeline to make sure we deliver a seamless transition." The change was first reported by The Verge.

Why the delay matters

The delay signals Google wants more time to smooth the transition for users and device makers. Migrating a system-level assistant across thousands of Android devices involves compatibility, privacy controls, and feature parity work.

Impact on users

When the migration is complete, users on devices that meet Gemini's minimum requirements will no longer be able to access Google Assistant or download the Assistant app.

For now, Assistant remains available on affected Android phones while Google continues phased upgrades.

Devices already on Gemini

Google has rolled Gemini out to several platforms: Wear OS smartwatches, Android Auto, Nest speakers, and Google Home devices. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra has also been shown running Gemini.

Privacy and control

Earlier this year Google introduced changes that let people use Gemini for calls, timers and messages without enabling "Gemini Apps Activity," making it possible to keep assistant-style features while opting out of having interactions used to train models.

Bottom line

Google's decision to extend the timeline into 2026 gives the company more time to manage compatibility and user controls as it replaces Google Assistant with Gemini across eligible Android devices.

If you rely on Google Assistant, you should expect a phased migration and check Google's support pages for device-specific timing and privacy settings.