Google has announced a major shift in its artificial intelligence strategy, confirming plans to retire the Google Assistant on smartphones and transition users to its next-generation AI assistant, Gemini.

The company has announced that Google Assistant will be phased out in 2026, with Gemini becoming the primary AI assistant across compatible devices. Google has already begun expanding Gemini’s capabilities, offering users more advanced conversational interactions, improved reasoning and AI-powered assistance.

The transition is expected to begin with Android smartphones, while Google is also preparing to expand Gemini across tablets, smartwatches, cars and other connected devices. The company aims to provide a more unified and capable AI experience across its growing ecosystem.

Unlike the traditional Google Assistant, Gemini is designed to handle more complex requests and provide richer, context-aware responses. Google is investing heavily in generative AI, multimodal technology and personalized digital assistance as competition in the AI industry intensifies.

The move represents a major transformation in Google’s consumer AI strategy and reflects the broader shift from traditional voice assistants toward generative AI-powered assistants.

Google says the transition will bring users a more modern AI experience, with enhanced capabilities designed to help with everyday tasks, information discovery and productivity.