Google had planned to remove its loyal digital assistant, Assistant, from most Android phones by the end of 2025, replacing it entirely with Gemini. However, a recent announcement from the company indicates that this major change will take a little longer than expected. The AI revolution can’t just erase old habits immediately.
Google puts on the brakes for a smooth transition
The tech giant officially announced a change to its previously announced schedule. Stating that it wants to offer users a smooth transition experience, Google announced that the Assistant-to-Gemini transition updates will be delayed until next year, 2026. The aim is to prevent users from experiencing technical glitches or habituation problems when switching to the AI assistant.

The company stated that more detailed information on the subject will be shared in the coming months. This suggests that the transition process may extend beyond the first months of 2026. In other words, Assistant will continue to be a guest on our phones for a while longer.
In fact, this change began with the Pixel 9 series in 2024, making Gemini the default assistant. Google’s ultimate goal is to update all devices connected to the phone, including tablets, cars, headphones, and smartwatches, with this new AI-powered assistant. Assistant capabilities, such as smart home control, have already been ported to Gemini.
However, devices need to meet certain hardware requirements to access this technology. To receive the Gemini update, your device must have at least Android 10 operating system and a minimum of 2GB of RAM. Devices below these criteria will likely continue with the classic Assistant or be excluded from support.
So, which do you think is more practical, Google Assistant or Gemini? Do you think this delay decision was correct? Share your thoughts in the comments!

