Google I/O 2026: What to expect
From new products to Android features, here's what to expect from Google's annual developer conference.
Google I/O 2026 is just weeks away, which means we’re closer than ever to getting a peek at what’s next from Google. The annual developer conference kicks off on May 19 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, Calif. As usual, it’ll start with a keynote featuring everything Google is ready to unveil for Gemini, Android and other things it’s been working on. We might even get an early peek at some hardware.
So what are we expecting to see at this year’s Google I/O? Here’s what we currently anticipate.
What to expect at Google I/O 2026
Google has kept things fairly quiet this year, and leaks haven’t exactly been plentiful. However, we can make some educated guesses on what we’ll see at Google I/O 2026 based on the company’s current priorities and past I/O keynotes. Google’s initial I/O 2026 announcement also gives us a few minor hints, saying to expect updates on everything “from Gemini to Android, Chrome, Cloud, and more.”
Gemini AI features and improvements
Every major tech company is all-in on AI, from deploying their own models to building AI developer tools. Google has been one of the most prominent names in the game with its Gemini models, and we expect to hear a lot about what’s new for Gemini and AI tools for developers at I/O 2026.
While we can’t be sure exactly what Google has in store for AI announcements during its keynote, one prominent area in the industry lately is the rise of agentic AI — or discrete AI tools that can perform complex, multi-step tasks without a lot of human oversight. We expect Google may have some announcements to make around agentic AI to complement the work it’s already doing there.
We’ll also probably see some sort of update on Gemini capabilities and Google’s Veo image generator. Last year, Google announced AI mode for search, Veo 3, Gemini in Chrome, AI speech translation in Google Meet, and much more. In short, expect even more AI buzz during this year’s keynote.
Android 17 features
Android 17 has been in beta testing for a while now, following its initial release in February. Unlike last year’s Android 16 release, which featured a major design overhaul, this year’s release is expected to be a much more tame affair. Instead of flashy new features, it’s looking like Android 17 is largely going to focus on stability, performance and security improvements.
That said, Android 17 introduces at least one major new feature: floating app windows. Google refers to these as app Bubbles, and they went live for testing with Android 17’s third beta release in March. The Bubbles let you open any app in a floating window that you can quickly minimize when needed. This is a major multitasking feature that should be appreciated on foldable and Android devices with larger displays.
Otherwise, so far anyway, updates to the Android 17 beta have been focused on small tweaks throughout the UI and settings, along with a load of bug fixes with each release. If Google has anything more up its sleeve, we should hear about it at Google I/O.
Android XR and potential smart glasses collab with Samsung
If you haven’t been following along with Google’s augmented reality ambitions, you might not be familiar with Android XR. It’s Google’s operating system for augmented reality devices. So far, it’s only available on Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, but Google has its eye on using it to power everything from headsets to smart glasses. In fact, last year, it announced its partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster for smart glasses, akin to Meta’s partnership with Ray-Ban.
While it isn’t guaranteed, we may hear more about Android XR and these partnerships at I/O 2026 since Google has remained relatively quiet about it since last year’s conference. There’s also Google’s collaboration with Samsung, which is expected to launch Android XR smart glasses. Recent code spotted in Samsung’s upcoming OneUI 9 points to multiple models being in the works. Could we see a teaser at I/O? Maybe.
Pixel and other hardware teasers (maybe?)
Google I/O hasn’t been a major launchpad for new Pixel hardware in a while. The last time Google prominently featured Pixel hardware was in 2023, when it showed off the Pixel Fold and Pixel 7a. Since then, it’s mostly focused on software, search and AI updates, as the phone releases have largely shifted to the later months of the year. But we can dream, right?
There aren’t any major rumors or leaks pointing to an imminent Pixel reveal at Google I/O 2026. However, Google has been teasing a collab with NBA superstar Steph Curry for a new screen-less wearable that could compete with the health-focused Whoop band. It’s unlikely to be a Pixel device, and rumors suggest it's part of Google’s Fitbit lineup and may be dubbed the Google Fitbit Air. It’s also rumored to launch a few days before I/O on May 16. Still, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention it as a possibility.
How to watch Google I/O 2026
As with other I/O conferences, you’ll be able to watch all of the Google I/O 2026 keynote live on YouTube and the official Google I/O website. It all starts on May 19, beginning at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT).
The YouTube stream page isn’t live yet, but we will embed it here before things start. If you’re a developer interested in participating, you can register at the Google I/O website to watch sessions Google has planned for May 19 and 20.
And lastly, note that Yahoo Tech will be covering Google I/O live and in person — so stay tuned for full coverage of the event.
