Gemini To Replace Google Assistant On Android Phones By The End Of 2025

Gemini will fully replace Google Assistant on Android phones by the end of 2025. (photo: x @TheAIColony)

JAKARTA - After more than a year since its launch and various feature updates, Google has announced that Gemini will fully replace Google Assistant on Android phones by the end of 2025. This decision follows the latest model update announced by the California company and the launch of the Deep Research feature for all users.

Google states that "classical Google Assistants will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices" starting later this year. Users will get a notification with a specific date before this change takes effect. In the next few months, those who are still using Assistant will see a prompt to switch to Gemini.

However, there are exceptions for phones running Android 9 or older versions and devices with less than 2 GB of RAM. For these devices, Google Assistant will remain available.

This decision follows a trend where the latest phones from Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola released in the past year have made Gemini a default experience. Google also noted that "a million users have switched to Gemini."

When it was first launched in February 2024, Gemini did not yet have much capability that was previously on Google Assistant, so Google had provided the option to return to Assistant. However, since then, Gemini has continued to be updated with features such as access from the lock screen and device control via Utilities.

Before Google Assistant was completely discontinued, Google focused on improving its daily experiences with Gemini, especially for users who have been relying on Google Assistant.

Google insists that the development of natural language processing and voice recognition technology since 2016 has opened up new ways for users to interact with Google services. Now, almost a decade later, the world is experiencing a huge shift in technological interactions thanks to the generative AI.

In today's announcement, Google also revealed that Gemini will be extended to various other devices, including smartwatches, cars, tablets, and headphones. Gemini has started replacing Google Assistant at Pixel Buds and will be coming soon on Wear OS.

Additionally, Google confirmed that it is developing a new Gemini-based experience for smart speakers, smart screens, and television, with more details to be announced in the coming months.

Currently, testing has been carried out on Nest Mini and Audio devices, while Gemini-based TV experience was shown in January.