Google's artificial intelligence has taken a decisive step. The company has confirmed that its classic voice assistant, Google Assistant, will cease functioning on September 4th, giving way to Gemini as the sole integrated assistant on Android devices. This change, which has been in the works for months, marks the end of an era that began a decade ago and ushers in a new phase where generative AI becomes the brain of mobile devices.
The announcement coincides with a significant milestone: Gemini has reached 1.000 billion monthly active users , a figure that puts it on par with its main competitor, ChatGPT. However, the fine print of these figures has sparked debate, as most of these users arrive via the assistant's integration into Android, not necessarily because they have voluntarily sought it out.
The final retirement of Google Assistant
Google Assistant was launched in 2016 as a revolution in device interaction. For years, it was the default assistant on millions of phones, speakers, and other devices. But the arrival of Gemini has changed the game. The company has confirmed that access to the old assistant will be phased out starting September 4th , and that the process will take several weeks. Once complete, there will be no going back: Gemini will be solely responsible for responding to the "Hey Google" command and managing the tasks previously handled by Assistant.
The decision isn't surprising, as Google has been integrating Gemini into its products for some time, from the search engine to Pixel phones. The veteran assistant had already been effectively replaced by AI on many devices , but this is the first time it's been made official and irreversible. Users who haven't yet migrated will notice the change when their system updates, and they won't be able to revert to the previous version.
One billion users and the shadow of doubt
Gemini's monthly active user count has been reported on several occasions, but now it's official: over 1.000 billion people use the app or assistant every month . OpenAI also announced that ChatGPT reached that milestone in June 2026, so the two platforms are technically tied. However, the way these users are counted is very different. While ChatGPT requires users to register and deliberately open the app, Gemini comes pre-installed on most Android phones, meaning many users use it without even realizing it.
This difference has led some experts to question the metric. Google has not specified what constitutes an "active user" nor has it published a transparent methodology , unlike OpenAI, which has explained how it calculates its figures. Even so, the data reflects the enormous advantage of having an ecosystem like Android, with over 68% of the global mobile market share.
Gemini's integration isn't limited to the assistant. AI is also present in other Google services, such as Search, Gmail, and Maps , expanding its reach. But this omnipresence also raises questions about whether the growth is genuine or simply the result of it being pre-installed.
What does this change mean for users?
For the average user, the transition will be almost imperceptible. "Hey Google" will still work, but Gemini will be behind it, with far more advanced capabilities . Instead of simply executing basic commands, Gemini can hold natural conversations, understand context, and perform complex tasks, such as booking appointments or managing reminders. AI is also expected to integrate more seamlessly with third-party applications, allowing for automated processes and saving time.
However, it's not all good news. Some users have expressed concern about the removal of Assistant, especially those with visual impairments who relied on its specific functions. Google has assured users that Gemini will include accessibility tools, but has not yet offered concrete details. Furthermore, the forced withdrawal has generated criticism, as many believe the company is imposing its AI without giving users a choice.
The move also aligns with Google's broader strategy to promote generative AI across all its products. The company has been investing billions in infrastructure and model development for years , and Gemini is its primary strategy to compete with OpenAI, Anthropic, and other rivals. The retirement of Assistant is, in that sense, another step in that direction.
September 4th will be the key date. From then on, Android users worldwide, including in Spain, will begin to see Gemini become their sole assistant . The migration will be gradual, but inevitable. Those who have used Assistant for years will have to adapt to a new way of interacting with their devices, although, in reality, the experience promises to be smoother and more natural.
In short, Google is closing one chapter to open another. Gemini has not only surpassed one billion users, but it has now become the heart of the most widely used operating system on the planet . The challenge will be demonstrating that this growth is sustainable and that AI truly delivers value to users, beyond simply being pre-installed. The real test will come in the next few months, when we see whether users actively adopt Gemini or simply use it out of necessity.
