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Waze removes Google Assistant from iOS due to ongoing issues
Waze has removed Google Assistant from its iOS app due to persistent issues reported by users over the past year. The company apologized for the inconvenience and plans to introduce a new voice interaction solution. Google is also transitioning from Assistant to its new AI, Gemini, affecting future use in apps, while Android users will still have access to Assistant.
Key points
- Integration of Google Assistant in Waze for iOS began in 2020 but faced unresolved issues for over a year.
- Users reported that the microphone button was unresponsive despite Assistant detecting their voice.
- Waze announced the discontinuation of Assistant for iOS and plans to introduce an enhanced voice interaction solution.
- Waze is testing an AI-powered feature for incident reporting that allows voice input for select users.
- Google's shift towards Gemini and phasing out Assistant on mobile devices correlates with Waze's decision.
Why it matters
- The removal of Google Assistant from Waze iOS is reflective of the broader industry trend of transitioning to advanced AI, like Gemini.
- This change aligns with ongoing developments in AI and voice technology within mobile applications as of 2025.
- Google's strategy to phase out older technologies in favor of new solutions indicates a significant shift in user interface and experience design.
Waze's removal of Google Assistant from iOS highlights ongoing challenges in integrating AI technologies and reflects broader shifts in how voice interactions are expected to evolve in mobile apps amidst changing user needs.