In a significant shift from its earlier roadmap, Google has announced a delay in its plan to retire the classic Google Assistant on mobile devices. The company is extending the transition period to its newer Gemini AI, moving the final sunset from the end of 2025 into the following year. This decision underscores the complexities involved in migrating users from a familiar, decade-old service to a more advanced, AI-powered platform.
Key Timeline Adjustment:
- Original Plan (March 2025): Sunset Google Assistant on mobile devices by the end of 2025.
- New Plan (December 2025): Transition period extended into 2026. No specific month given.
- Android Auto Target: Transition to Gemini by March 2026.
- Assistant's Age: Will mark ten years of service when fully retired in 2026.
Google Adjusts Its Timeline for a Seamless Transition
On December 19, 2025, Google updated its community posts, confirming it is "adjusting our previously announced timeline to make sure we deliver a seamless transition." The original plan, announced in March 2025, was to fully replace the Google Assistant with Gemini on most mobile devices by the end of this year. With that deadline just weeks away, Google has opted for a more measured approach. The company now states that the work to phase out the older Assistant in favor of Gemini will continue into 2026, marking a full decade since the Assistant's initial debut.
The Reason Behind the Delay Remains Unclear
Google's announcement did not specify the exact reasons for postponing the Assistant's retirement. The company simply reiterated its commitment to "upgrade the Assistant experience to Gemini" and promised more details in the coming months. Industry observers speculate that the delay may be related to ensuring feature parity, refining the user experience, or addressing integration challenges across the vast Android ecosystem. The goal remains to offer "a new kind of help only possible with the power of AI," with a strong emphasis on personalization, but executing this vision flawlessly appears to require more time.
What This Means for Users and the Ecosystem
For millions of Android users, this delay means the familiar "Hey Google" wake word and the existing Assistant interface will remain available on phones for several more months. It provides a reprieve for those who have not yet switched to Gemini or who rely on specific Assistant functionalities. However, Google's ultimate direction is unchanged. The choice between the two assistants will eventually be removed, with Gemini becoming the sole AI helper on mobile devices. This transition is also part of a broader rollout, with upgrades planned for home devices, smartwatches, and Android Auto, the latter of which has a separate target of March 2026.
Scope of the Transition: The upgrade from Assistant to Gemini is planned for:
- Mobile devices (phones, tablets)
- Home devices (smart speakers, displays)
- Wearables (Pixel Watch)
- Automotive (Android Auto)
The Broader Context of Google's AI Evolution
This timeline adjustment occurs during a period of intense competition in the AI assistant space. Google is navigating the delicate balance of innovating with its powerful Gemini models while maintaining the reliability and widespread user trust built by the Assistant over ten years. The extended timeline suggests Google is prioritizing a smooth user experience over a rushed deadline, acknowledging that forcing a major platform shift during the busy U.S. holiday season might be disruptive. The coming months will be critical for Google to finalize Gemini's capabilities and communicate the change effectively to its global user base.