Waze, the popular navigation app, is officially discontinuing support for Google Assistant on iOS devices, citing ongoing integration difficulties that have plagued users for over a year. The decision, which takes effect on March 29, 2025, has left many iPhone users frustrated, as the voice command feature has been largely non-functional for some time.
In a statement released on their official forum, Waze acknowledged the persistent issues users have experienced with Google Assistant. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused, and instead of merely fixing a feature that constantly malfunctions, we have decided to completely discontinue Google Assistant on iOS starting tomorrow," the company stated. This announcement comes as a confirmation of numerous complaints from users who have struggled with the voice command feature that was intended to enhance navigation management.
For iPhone users, this means a temporary absence of any built-in Google voice assistant, including the anticipated chatbot Gemini. While the Android version of Waze will continue to support Google Assistant without any changes, the iOS platform will have to do without this functionality for the time being.
Waze has indicated plans to introduce a "more advanced voice interaction" in the future, although no specific replacement has been provided yet. The company has been exploring solutions for the integration issues for over a year, but those efforts have not yielded successful results. Experts suggest that the ongoing problems may be linked to Google’s broader strategy of transitioning away from Assistant in favor of Gemini, a new AI-based product.
Earlier this month, Google announced plans to transition more users from Google Assistant to Gemini, stating that Assistant "will no longer be available on most mobile devices or for new downloads in mobile app stores" starting from the end of 2025. This shift raises questions about the long-term future of voice assistance in navigation apps like Waze.
The Google Assistant feature on Waze has been a point of contention for many iPhone users, with reports of it failing to recognize voice commands or respond to prompts. One user noted that while the phrase "Hey, Google" would activate the Assistant, it often failed to understand their voice. This inconsistency has led to widespread dissatisfaction among users who rely on voice commands for hands-free navigation.
As Waze prepares to move forward without Google Assistant on iOS, users are left to wonder what the future holds for voice integration in the app. The company has not confirmed any timeline for the rollout of Gemini or any other voice solution, leaving many users in limbo.
In the meantime, Waze’s decision to phase out Google Assistant on iOS underscores the challenges of integrating complex voice technologies into mobile applications. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, navigation apps will need to adapt to meet user expectations for reliable and effective voice assistance.
Waze has been a leader in navigation technology, providing real-time traffic updates and route optimization for millions of users worldwide. However, the recent issues with Google Assistant have raised concerns about the app's ability to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market. With competitors also vying for user attention, Waze must act quickly to address these challenges and restore user confidence.
As the app moves forward, it will be crucial for Waze to communicate transparently with its users about the changes and improvements in voice integration. The company’s commitment to providing a better solution for voice interaction will be key to retaining its user base, particularly as they navigate the transition away from Google Assistant.
In conclusion, Waze’s decision to discontinue Google Assistant support on iOS reflects broader trends in the tech industry as companies pivot towards new AI solutions. As users await the introduction of Gemini or another advanced voice interaction system, they will be watching closely to see how Waze adapts to these changes and continues to innovate in the navigation space.
