Google is officially sunsetting its iconic Google Assistant on mobile devices later this year, marking the end of an era for the company’s original voice assistant. The transition will see Google replacing the classic Assistant, which has been operational since its launch in 2016, with the newer Gemini AI-powered assistant.
The announcement, made on March 14, 2025, by Brian Marquardt, Senior Director of Product Management for the Gemini app, confirmed what has been anticipated by industry watchers. 'Over the coming months, we’re upgrading more users on mobile devices from Google Assistant to Gemini; and later this year, the classic Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads on mobile app stores,' Marquardt stated.
This significant shift signifies Google’s firm pivot toward generative AI as the foundation for its assistant strategy. Google Assistant, which pioneered natural language processing and voice recognition technology, will now cede its place to Gemini, which has been described as more advanced and capable of delivering various AI-driven features. Marquardt emphasized this transition, stating, 'To continue our work of building the world’s most helpful assistant, we’ve reimagined the experience with AI at its core to make Gemini your personal, AI-powered assistant.'
Notably, the upgrade is not limited to just mobile devices. Google announced plans to extend the Gemini experience to other devices such as tablets, cars, and connected devices like headphones and watches. A new Gemini-powered user experience will also be introduced for home devices, including speakers, displays, and TVs, all initially continuing to operate with the classic Google Assistant until the transition is complete.
The news of this transition has generated significant enthusiasm. Many users who have made the switch to Gemini have reported positive feedback. According to Marquardt, 'Millions of people have transitioned from Google Assistant to Gemini, and they are telling us how helpful the new, AI-powered features are in their daily lives.' This highlights the growing satisfaction among users as they embrace the innovations Gemini brings.
Further driving home the importance of this shift, Marquardt noted, 'We’re in the midst of another platform shift — this time, generative AI is transforming the way we interact with technology.' Such sentiments underline how deeply entrenched AI technologies are becoming within Google's offerings.
Gemini’s capabilities are said to extend far beyond traditional functionalities, such as playing music or setting timers, which were staples of Google Assistant. For example, Gemini incorporates features like Gemini Live for multimodal conversations, which enables users to engage with the assistant in more dynamic ways. This level of interaction reflects the advancements and potential of AI to reimagine user experiences.
Google has been steadily increasing the reach of Gemini, which is now available in over 40 languages across more than 200 countries. With this expansive rollout, Google aims to cater to diverse user needs across various regions worldwide.
Recent updates have also been focused on enhancing the integration of existing Assistant features within Gemini, addressing functionality gaps noted by early adopters. This includes capabilities like taking actions from lock screens and incorporating daily activities like media engagement, which enrich the overall user experience.
While the announcement symbolizes the end for Google Assistant, it marks the dawn of new possibilities for the Gemini AI assistant. Users accustomed to invoking “Hey Google” may soon find themselves engaging with Gemini, redefining how they access assistance and information from Google. The count down to this digital evolution has begun, and many are eager to see what the future holds for Google’s AI initiatives.
With the end of Google Assistant and the rise of Gemini, Google's transitional period will also illuminate how generative AI can redefine personal assistance as we know it. Users, developers, and tech enthusiasts alike are adjusting to this new epoch of digital interactions, one where AI does not just respond but understands and anticipates the needs of its users, bridging the gap between artificial intelligence and personal interaction.
The change promises to usher in enhancements not only for individual users but also for developers integrating AI capabilities within their platforms. How Gemini adapts and evolves over time will determine the impact of this significant shift, linking together the threads of technology, user experience, and artificial intelligence for future generations.