Google I/O 2026: How to Watch and What We Know so Far
Google I/O 2026 is just around the corner. It’s an annual opportunity for Google to showcase software features (and possibly some hardware developments) the company has been working on behind the scenes. Like other major tech conferences, anyone can tune in to the livestream and follow Google’s latest announcements. Here’s when Google I/O 2026 starts and what we know so far.
When and what time will Google I/O 2026 take place?
Google typically kicks off its I/O event in May each year, and 2026 is no exception. This year, Google I/O will take place from May 19th to 20th. If you’re used to watching a single livestream, this two-day schedule might come as a surprise. But I/O isn’t just an announcement: it’s a developer conference featuring keynotes, demos, and product presentations.
But if you’re only interested in the company’s keynote presentation, you should mark May 19th on your calendar. Google hasn’t announced the exact time yet, but based on previous years, it typically starts at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (1:00 PM Eastern Time).
How to watch Google I/O 2026
While Google invites a select group of journalists to watch its presentations live and encourages developers to register for various events, you can tune in to the livestream from anywhere. Google hasn’t yet confirmed where the livestreams will be held this year, but based on past events, you’ll likely be able to watch the keynote presentation on the official I/O website and on Google’s official YouTube channel .
What will be announced at Google I/O 2026?
The short answer? We don’t know for sure! Google is keeping I/O news under wraps, and there aren’t many rumors this year—at least for now. Considering it’s only February, it’s entirely possible we’ll hear more about Google I/O 2026 closer to May.
However, there are some things you can expect to see regardless of leaks and rumors. Android 17 will almost certainly take center stage at Google I/O this year. Google released the first beta version of the OS on Wednesday , though it doesn’t look much different from Android 16 at this point. However, I suspect beta testers will discover a number of new features and changes between now and May, as Google continues to add new capabilities to its test software in the lead-up to I/O.
As in the previous two years, this year’s Google I/O should also be all about artificial intelligence. Google seems to be making new AI announcements several times a week, including adding the Lyria 3 AI music model to Gemini or adding a web browsing bot to Chrome . I expect Google I/O 2026 to be packed with AI features—perhaps more than some of us would like to hear.
I/O 2026 may also showcase some hardware, but that’s not guaranteed. Google just announced the Pixel 10a , its latest “budget” phone, and the company may unveil other devices in May, but I/O is more of a developer conference than a developer conference.