lipflip – Google has officially missed its self-imposed deadline to transition most Android users from Google Assistant to Gemini. The shift, originally planned to conclude by the end of 2025, will now continue into 2026. This delay signals the complexity of replacing a deeply embedded digital assistant across billions of devices. While Gemini has shown rapid progress as Google’s flagship AI, the company appears cautious about disrupting user experience at scale. The decision highlights the growing pains of large AI platform migrations, even for companies with Google’s resources.
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Google Pushes Back Assistant Retirement Timeline
In March, Google announced plans to retire Google Assistant on most Android devices by late 2025. The transition targeted devices running Android 10 or newer with at least 2GB of RAM. That specification covers the majority of modern Android phones and tablets. However, Google now acknowledges the timeline was too ambitious.
A Gemini community manager confirmed the delay on Google’s official forums last week. The company stated it is adjusting the timeline to ensure a seamless transition. Google will continue upgrading Assistant users to Gemini throughout 2026. This update represents a clear shift from earlier commitments.
Google Assistant remains available on both Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. However, the app has not received meaningful updates since a bug fix on July 23. Google previously signaled it would eventually make Assistant incompatible with modern devices. That move would push users toward Gemini by necessity rather than choice.
The company has not shared a revised deadline. Instead, Google said it will provide more details in the coming months. This wording suggests the full retirement plan may not take effect until well into next year. The delay reflects Google’s effort to avoid user frustration during a large-scale platform change.
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Gemini Expansion Extends Beyond Android Phones
Google Assistant’s reach extends far beyond smartphones and tablets. The assistant powers many smart home products, including Nest speakers and displays. Replacing Assistant across this ecosystem adds significant technical and usability challenges.
To address this, Google has begun rolling out early access to Gemini for Home. This replacement platform allows users to opt in voluntarily. Late last week, Google launched the Gemini for Home beta in Canada. The beta currently supports English, with French language support planned for early next year.
These steps indicate a gradual, region-based rollout strategy. Google appears focused on testing stability and user acceptance before wider deployment. This cautious approach aligns with the company’s revised timeline.
Despite delays, Gemini itself continues to gain momentum. In 2025, Google introduced the Gemini 3 update and the Nano Banana Pro image-generation tool. These features reportedly impressed users and industry observers. According to reports, Gemini’s rapid progress even prompted internal concern at OpenAI, triggering a “code red” response to accelerate ChatGPT improvements.
Looking ahead, Google faces the challenge of balancing innovation with reliability. Gemini represents the future of Google’s AI strategy. However, Assistant’s long-standing role means the transition must be handled carefully. The extended timeline suggests Google prioritizes trust and stability over speed.