Google says Google Assistant will remain available on many Android phones beyond the end of 2025, as it extends the timeline to fully transition users to Gemini into 2026. The company frames the delay as time needed to ensure a smooth, “seamless” handoff as Gemini becomes the default voice assistant experience. In the meantime, users who haven’t switched yet can keep using Assistant while Google continues upgrading eligible devices and shares more specifics in the months ahead.

Highlights:

• Android Auto timing: Google has separately pointed to March 2026 as the target to move Android Auto users to Gemini, offering one of the few concrete date markers so far.
• Device eligibility: Engadget reports that devices need to run Android 10 and have at least 2GB of RAM to receive the Gemini upgrade.
• Pixel default shift: Google made Gemini the default assistant on the Pixel 9 lineup when it launched in 2024, signaling its longer-term direction even before the broader rollout completes.
• Wider device plan: Google previously said it intends to upgrade “tablets, cars and devices that connect to your phone, such as headphones and watches” to Gemini, not just smartphones.

Make sure a seamless transition - Google (statement paraphrased in article)

Perspectives:

• Google: The company says it is revising the timeline so it can deliver a “seamless transition” while continuing upgrades into 2026 and promising more details in coming months. (Engadget)
• Consumer-focused tech outlets: Coverage emphasizes that the delay lets people keep using Assistant on phones while Google fine-tunes Gemini for a fuller mobile rollout. (Digital Trends)
• Android-focused publications: Reports highlight practical reassurance: users who haven’t switched to Gemini don’t need to rush before year-end, though the exact cutoff date in 2026 remains unspecified. (Android Headlines)

Sources:

• Google is letting Assistant live just a little longer - androidheadlines.com
• Google confirms Gemini will fully replace Assistant on phones in 2026 - digitaltrends.com
• Google Assistant will stick around a bit longer than expected for some Android users - Engadget - google.com
• Gemini isn’t replacing Google Assistant on Android just yet - reddit.com
• Google Assistant will stick around a bit longer than expected for some Android users - engadget.com
• Google says it needs more time to upgrade Assistant to Gemini on most Android devices; Google previously planned to complete the transition by the end of 2025 (Mariella Moon/Engadget) - techmeme.com
• The switch from Google Assistant to Gemini on Android devices has been pushed back to next year - techradar.com