What to expect from Google I/O 2026: Gemini improvements, Android features, Aluminum OS and more

Google I/O 2026 is just around the corner with the grand opening scheduled for May 19. Last year’s event had a strong focus on artificial intelligence, and we expect a similar theme this time around. What to expect from Google I/O 2026

This year’s Google I/O keynote is scheduled for May 19 at 10 AM PT/ 1 PM ET. If you’re not among those invited to attend the event in person, you can watch it live on Google’s official YouTube channel (embedded above).

We’ll also be covering Google I/O 2026, and you can follow along with our coverage.

What to expect from Google I/O 2026?

Expectations are high for what could be one of Google’s most ambitious events in recent years. From major Gemini upgrades and the possible debut of Aluminum OS to Android 17’s next-gen features and new Android XR hardware, Google looks set to dive deeper into AI, cross-device experiences, and all-new form factors. Here’s what we expect to see this year.

Like last year, Google is hosting separately Android Show I/O Edition talk about upcoming Android features and other developments. This year, the pre-recorded show will be played on YouTube one week before the main event, which is May 12th at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET. Google has promised that this is going to be one of the biggest years for Android, so we’re rightfully excited about what the company is announcing at this I/O event.

We expect Google to reveal what’s coming to Android, including more, over the next few months Android 17 features. To be clear, we’re not expecting a full-fledged stable launch just yet. Android 17 Beta 4 it was released with minor changes about two weeks ago, and while Google calls it a “near-final environment,” expect a stable build to be released to the public. Based on the release schedule for Android 16 last year, we expect Android 17 release in June this year.

Google is expected to unveil a new version of Gemini at the event. While it’s unclear if it’ll get the 4.0 treatment or another 3.x update, it’s rumored to be an overhaul of Gemini’s capabilities.

On the consumer front, the company recently brought Gemini to cars constantly improves its capabilities with features such as Gemini notebooks. Since Gemini is a part of almost every Google product and service, we imagine Google will spend a fair amount of time talking about it on stage during its keynote.

Therefore, it is highly likely that Google will have a segment dedicated to Aluminum OS. We can’t be sure if the company will introduce any hardware, but it’s likely that Google will talk about partnerships at I/O 2026, along with updates on the development of Aluminum OS.

Samsung already has Galaxy XR headsets running Android XR, so this time around we’ll see more products, perhaps the ones that were leaked and talked about recently. Galaxy GlassesSamsung is expected to introduce this year.

Since Google has plenty of Android XR partnerships in the mix, including Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and more XREALwe hope to see headphones at a wide range of price points and capabilities, which will be a definite win for consumers.