Users of Google Assistant can take a breath of relief as the company has officially postponed the complete transition to its new Gemini system. Initially scheduled for the end of 2025, Google’s new timeline aims for a seamless upgrade, extending the transition well into 2026. This announcement was made in a community update posted on Friday, according to The Verge.
The reason for this delay has not been elaborated in detail, but the emphasis on a “seamless transition” suggests that moving hundreds of millions of users from a decade-old command-and-control system to a new language model-based assistant presents significant technical challenges. Users have already experienced some of these growing pains. Although Gemini excels in advanced tasks like summarizing information, it has struggled with basic functions such as setting timers and controlling smart devices at the same speed and reliability as the previous Assistant.
Transition Timeline and Features
Despite the delay, the transition to Gemini is ongoing. The new assistant is already the default option on the Pixel 10 series and is being rolled out across various platforms such as Wear OS, Android Auto, and Google Home. Users of older devices can expect a few more months of stability with the familiar “Hey Google” functionality.
The changeover will ultimately result in the removal of the standalone Google Assistant app from the Play Store. Devices meeting the minimum requirements—running Android 10 or higher with at least 2GB of RAM—will be required to upgrade. Internal documents suggest that March 2026 may be a target date for certain platforms, including Android Auto, although Google has indicated that more information will be available in the coming months.
For those who have already transitioned to Gemini and enjoy its features, this delay does not affect your experience. However, for users who have relied on the traditional Assistant for their daily routines, the additional time provides an opportunity to acclimate to Gemini’s newer functionalities, such as making calls and setting timers with less reliance on AI training toggles.
As Google navigates this significant transition, users can expect updates and improvements that aim to enhance the overall experience with Gemini. The journey toward a fully integrated assistant continues, albeit with a more extended timeline.
