United Kingdom, Nov. 24 -- Google will sunset Google Assistant and make Gemini Android's default on-device AI after March 2026.

The move ends a decade-long run for Google's first virtual assistant, which launched in 2016 and quickly became embedded across Android phones, Wear OS, smart speakers, displays, and cars - but has increasingly lagged behind newer, more conversational AI systems.

Google quietly published the timeline through an Android Auto support page, later clarifying the transition in a broader statement.

The company said: "Gemini is replacing Google Assistant on most mobile devices. Learn more about what you can do with Gemini, privacy, protection of minors and availability for supported devices, languages and territories...