Why is Google Extending Assistant on Android Phones? Discover the Reasons!

Before the end of 2025, Google had plans to phase out its Assistant feature on smartphones, but the Mountain View-based company has reconsidered and delayed the systematic replacement of its virtual assistant with Gemini. What does this change entail? What’s the updated timeline? Here’s everything you need to know.

In March 2025, Google declared that it would discontinue its Assistant app, which allows users to control their smartphones using voice commands (or text, depending on the scenario). The app has become increasingly irrelevant with the advent of Gemini and its capacity to engage in more sophisticated AI-driven conversations. Furthermore, Gemini can handle local tasks previously managed by Assistant and offers significantly superior information retrieval services.

Also read – The upcoming AI-enhanced version of Siri will essentially be Gemini in disguise

With Gemini’s introduction on smartphones, it was naturally expected that Gemini would take over the functions of Assistant. Google sought to expedite this transition in March by informing manufacturers that all Android smartphones meeting certain technical prerequisites must incorporate its AI by the end of 2025. This requirement applied only to smartphones, while other products in the ecosystem, such as Google Home compatible speakers, were given more time.

Google Grants a Last-Minute Reprieve to Assistant

This weekend, Google revised its schedule, extending a last-minute reprieve to Assistant. In a statement posted on Gemini’s technical support website, the tech giant has postponed the deadline by at least several months. The decision was made to “ensure a smooth transition,” and a new timetable will be provided in 2026. This does not mean that Google is putting the brakes on replacing Assistant with Gemini, but it appears the process is more challenging than anticipated, necessitating additional time.

As a reminder, Google Assistant was launched in 2016 and became widely available on Android in 2017. It allows users to conduct simple internet searches, schedule appointments in Calendar, send messages, adjust phone settings, and even identify songs. While Assistant is expected to disappear from most phones in favor of Gemini, it will remain on Android smartphones that are not compatible with the AI. What capabilities will it then have? Will Google continue to properly maintain Assistant for this segment of users? That remains uncertain.