Google Assistant’s Transition Delayed
Google has officially delayed the planned replacement of its legacy Google Assistant with the newer AI-powered Gemini on Android devices. Initially expected to complete the switchover by the end of 2025, the company now confirms that the process will extend into the following year.
The update was quietly posted on Google’s Gemini support page, where the tech giant acknowledged that the transition is taking longer than anticipated. As a result, Android users will continue relying on the traditional Google Assistant for the foreseeable future.
Why the Delay?
According to reports from Engadget, the delay seems to stem from the high resource demands of Gemini. Unlike the lightweight Google Assistant, Gemini requires more robust hardware specifications to function optimally. Specifically, devices must have at least 2 GB of RAM to support Gemini’s capabilities.
This hardware requirement presents a barrier for many existing Android phones, particularly budget or older models that may not meet this threshold. As a result, Google is taking more time to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition.
What Is Gemini?
Gemini is Google’s next-generation AI tool designed to replace Google Assistant with a more powerful and intuitive experience. Announced earlier in 2025, Gemini incorporates Google’s latest advances in generative AI, offering features like contextual awareness, smarter responses, and deeper integration with other Google services.
Google has positioned Gemini as more than just a virtual assistant. It is part of a broader strategy to integrate AI more deeply across its ecosystem, from Android phones to Chrome and even enterprise applications.
Gemini’s Current Capabilities
Despite the delay in full rollout, Gemini has already made its way into several Google products. Earlier this month, Google launched Gemini 3 Flash, a faster version of the AI tool. Other recent developments include Gemini’s ability to access and analyze emails and documents, showcasing its potential to handle more complex tasks than its predecessor.
Additionally, Gemini is being integrated into Chrome with a second AI agent to enhance browsing experiences. These early implementations hint at the broad scope of Gemini’s eventual capabilities once it becomes the default assistant on Android devices.
Concerns Over Compatibility
The need for at least 2 GB of memory may seem trivial in today’s high-end smartphone market, but it excludes a significant portion of Android users. Google has typically prided itself on ensuring broad compatibility across devices, and this transition challenges that philosophy.
Some analysts suggest that Google may be working on optimizing Gemini to run more efficiently on lower-end devices. Alternatively, the company might continue to support both Gemini and Google Assistant in parallel for a transitional period, allowing users to switch based on their device’s capabilities.
What’s Next for Android Users?
For now, Android users will continue to use the familiar Google Assistant while Google works behind the scenes to finalize Gemini’s rollout. No new timeline has been provided, but Google has indicated that users can expect updates sometime in 2026.
Meanwhile, Google continues to encourage feedback from early adopters and developers. Those who are already testing Gemini on supported devices are helping the company refine the AI’s performance, usability, and compatibility.
The Bigger Picture
The delay in transitioning to Gemini underscores the challenges tech companies face when rolling out cutting-edge AI features. While the technology promises significant improvements, it also demands more from hardware and infrastructure.
Still, Google’s long-term vision for Gemini seems clear. By embedding a more capable AI assistant into Android and other platforms, the company aims to redefine how users interact with their devices. Whether through smarter voice commands, personalized recommendations, or seamless integration with third-party services, Gemini is expected to elevate the user experience in meaningful ways.
Until then, users can rest assured that Google Assistant isn’t going anywhere just yet. The extra time may also benefit Google, allowing it to address compatibility issues and ensure a more polished rollout when the time comes.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.