According to SamMobile, Google has officially delayed its plan to replace Google Assistant with the Gemini AI on mobile devices. The company’s original timeline, announced earlier this year, aimed to complete this switch before the end of 2025. Now, a community manager from the Gemini Apps Team, Anish K, states the transition is pushed to 2026. The reason given is to ensure a “seamless transition,” though no specific date within 2026 was provided. This means Google Assistant will remain active on Android phones and tablets, including Samsung Galaxy models, for at least several more months. The assistant has already been removed from newer Samsung TVs.
Why the delay matters
So, what’s really going on here? A one-year delay on a major platform transition isn’t just about polishing some code. It’s a big deal. This move signals that the integration is proving more complex than Google anticipated, or that Gemini simply isn’t ready to handle the vast, ingrained functionality of Assistant. Think about it: Assistant is baked into routines, smart home controls, and basic device functions. Replacing that core infrastructure without breaking things for millions of users is a massive technical lift.
The eventual endgame
Make no mistake, though—the plan hasn’t changed, only the schedule. When the switch finally happens, Google Assistant will be completely removed from Android phones and tablets. Even the standalone Gemini app for iPhones and iPads will be discontinued. Basically, Gemini will be your only option for a Google-powered voice assistant. You can read Google’s official update on their support thread here. The question is, will it be a true upgrade by then, or just a forced migration to a less mature product?
A temporary sigh of relief
For now, this is a win for users who rely on Assistant’s established reliability. It buys time. But here’s the thing: it also creates a weird limbo. How hard will Google actually work to improve Assistant between now and 2026? Probably not much. It’s now officially a “dead man walking” feature. So enjoy its stability while it lasts, but start mentally preparing for a shift that seems inevitable, even if it’s taking a bit longer to arrive.
