Google removes Assistant from Android phones starting September 4

Google will remove its Google Assistant feature from Android phones, tablets, WearOS watches, and some other connected devices starting September 4. The company has begun notifying users via email about this change, which will take several weeks to roll out completely. After this date, users will no longer be able to access Assistant on these devices.

This decision is part of Google's transition to its new AI chatbot, Gemini. The company has been gradually shifting its focus from the Assistant to Gemini, which is designed to provide enhanced functionality and user experience. The removal of Assistant will only affect devices that meet the minimum specifications required to run Gemini and only in regions where the chatbot is currently available.

While the Assistant will disappear from many devices, some options will still remain. A legacy version of Assistant will continue to function on phones running Android 9 or older with less than 2GB of RAM. Additionally, the Assistant will remain available in vehicles equipped with Google built-in, although it will not work on cars using Android Auto that is projected from a mobile device. There will be no changes to Google TV, Google Home, or smart displays at this time.

As Google moves forward with Gemini, users who wish to try the new chatbot can download the Gemini app from the Play Store. This transition marks a significant shift in how Google is approaching user interaction with its devices, highlighting the company's commitment to advancing its AI technology. The release of Google's latest Pixel devices on August 12 is expected to further integrate this new technology into its product ecosystem.