What changed: Google’s hand‑off now runs into 2026

Google has quietly pushed its plan to replace Google Assistant with Gemini on phones into 2026. In an update posted on December 19, 2025, the company said it would “continue our work to upgrade Assistant users to Gemini on mobile devices into 2026,” instead of finishing by year‑end 2025 as originally signaled in March. Once the transition is complete, devices that meet Gemini’s requirements won’t be able to use or download the legacy Assistant app. The Verge first spotted the change via Google’s Gemini Apps community note; March’s plan was announced on Google’s blog. Google

On the road, Google is drawing a line in the sand: multiple Android Auto help pages now state that “Google Assistant is still available for use until March 2026” as Gemini takes over voice duties in cars. See, for example, Google’s official pages for finding apps and messaging, which carry the March 2026 notice.

Smartphone split between Google Assistant and Gemini with a 2026 calendar overlay

Why the transition is taking longer

Google’s stated reason is straightforward: a “seamless transition.” Under the hood, there are hints of why that’s hard:

  • Feature parity is still uneven on mobile. Google’s own support notes that some Assistant features remain missing in Gemini—like Interpreter Mode and certain media provider integrations. Gemini Apps Help
  • Google has been backfilling core assistant behaviors through 2025. For example, the company confirmed users can place calls, send messages and set timers via Gemini even with Gemini Apps Activity turned off—addressing privacy concerns while restoring everyday tasks. Android Authority
  • Ecosystem complexity matters. Assistant is embedded across phones, watches, autos and speakers. Google has made progress—Gemini on Wear OS watches, and an early‑access “Gemini for Home” on Nest speakers/displays—but staggered rollouts create coordination challenges. Google Wear OS blog, Google Nest Help

Where Gemini is already showing up

  • Phones and tablets: Gemini is the new default on many recent Android devices, with Google reiterating that the legacy Assistant will be retired on compatible hardware after the full switch. Google; The Verge
  • Cars: Gemini has begun replacing Assistant in Android Auto, while Google’s help pages keep Assistant alive “until March 2026” during the changeover. Android Auto Help
  • Watches: Gemini arrived on Wear OS in July 2025, bringing a more conversational experience to the wrist. Google Wear OS blog
  • Home: Google launched “Gemini for Home” in October 2025, upgrading voice on speakers/displays via an early‑access program that continues expanding into 2026. Google Home blog; Nest Community
Android Auto interface with a subtle 'March 2026' date marker next to a 'Hey Google' mic icon

What stays (for now) and what goes

  • Google Assistant on phones: Still available through 2025 and into 2026 on devices that have not been upgraded, with Google planning to remove access and app store listings after the hand‑off completes on compatible hardware. The Verge
  • Android Auto: Assistant remains usable “until March 2026” while Gemini rolls out broadly to in‑car experiences. Android Auto Help
  • Missing pieces in Gemini (mobile): Interpreter Mode and some third‑party media providers are not supported yet; Google’s help page documents the current gaps and workarounds. Gemini Apps Help

How this affects your automation and productivity

For power users, teams, and families who rely on hands‑free flows, the extended timeline is both a reprieve and a prompt to tidy up workflows.

  • Routines and smart home: Google has been evolving how Routines work across Gemini and Google Home. You can trigger some Routines by voice through Gemini (Google notes not all starters/actions are supported), and Google’s “Gemini for Home” is actively rolling out. Expect continued tweaks as Google aligns home automations with Gemini’s new voice model. 9to5Google; Google Nest Help
  • Mobile assistant tasks: Calling, messaging and timers now work even if you leave Gemini Apps Activity off—useful for privacy‑sensitive environments. Android Authority
  • Enterprise controls: Workspace admins can pre‑configure Gemini conversation history retention and privacy settings as deployments scale. Google Workspace Updates

Assistant vs. Gemini on mobile (December 2025)

Snapshot of where things stand

AreaGoogle AssistantGemini
Voice control reliabilityMature, deterministic commandsMore flexible, conversational; improving with updates
Core phone tasks (calls, messages, timers)YesYes—even with Apps Activity off (privacy win)
Interpreter ModeYesNot yet on mobile; switch back to Assistant when needed
Media providers (podcasts/news/some third‑party music)Broad supportSome gaps remain per Google’s help doc
Smart home routinesLongstanding supportVoice triggering supported with caveats; Gemini for Home rolling out
Android AutoWorks through March 2026Rolling out now; becomes default afterwards

Sources for table: Gemini Apps Help, Android Authority, Android Auto Help, 9to5Google.

The bottom line

Google isn’t walking back its strategy—Gemini is still the endgame across phones, cars, watches and homes—but the company is giving itself more time to get there. For users, the delay means fewer sudden breakages and a longer runway to adapt automations, privacy settings and daily voice habits. Keep an eye on Google’s help pages and product blogs: the milestones to watch next are Android Auto’s March 2026 cutoff and broader Gemini‑for‑Home expansion in early 2026.

Sources