Here’s What We Expect to See at Google I/O 2026.
Google I/O is fast approaching . Google’s biggest developer conference kicks off on May 19th , and anyone not invited to the main presentation in California can watch it live. While you likely won’t see any future Pixel products, this presentation will feature a slew of software announcements—though we don’t know exactly what Google has in store.
Last year, the company made a number of exciting announcements. We got our first look at Android XR, Google’s smartglasses platform; received the general rollout of AI Mode for search after an initial beta; officially launched Gemini Live on iPhone; the Try It On feature, which lets you virtually try on clothes; and new AI models across Google’s product lineup. This year is likely to see similar announcements, though rumors are still few and far between. However, we can make a few educated guesses to get a sense of what Google might be planning:
Google will almost certainly unveil more AI developments at its I/O conference.
Google, like most tech companies, is currently completely focused on artificial intelligence. And this won’t change with I/O 2026. In fact, expect numerous announcements of new AI products, both in terms of functionality and performance improvements. Stay tuned for updates to the company’s core AI products, such as Veo (AI video), Nano Banana (AI imaging), Lyria (AI music), and Gemma (lightweight, open-source models).
Speaking of AI, there’s a good chance we’ll see a new version of Gemini at this year’s event. Gemini is Google’s flagship AI system, encompassing both a chatbot and AI models. This likely means new models that will be faster and more capable than previous versions. Google has been making a lot of news about Gemini lately, adding the technology to Google Maps , integrating the Nano Banana into a chatbot , and changing its approach to mental health . I fully expect to see several major Gemini updates at I/O 2026—even if the rumors aren’t quite as detailed yet.
We’ll likely see some details about Android 17.
Google has been beta testing Android 17 since February, though it’s still a relatively minor update. That doesn’t mean Google is skimping on new features: the update includes the ability to remap game controllers for the first time on Android, as well as the ability to run apps in “bubbles” that can be minimized on the screen until you’re ready to use them.
Interestingly, the company decided to separate the Android-focused portion of the event into a separate presentation, dubbed the ” Android Show .” This allowed Google to dedicate the main I/O keynote to discussing artificial intelligence. There are currently no plans for another “Android Show” this year, so I expect all the Android 17 news to be revealed at the main event.
Google may announce news regarding Android XR at its I/O conference.
At last year’s I/O conference, Google announced Android XR . The presentation focused on the heads-up display (HUD) interface, which displays Android elements directly in front of the user, including messages and Google Maps. Integration with Gemini Live also makes perfect sense. (What’s the point of smart glasses without an assistant that sees what you see?) At the time, Google announced a number of partnerships for its smart glasses platform, including Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Perhaps this year we’ll learn about new Android XR-based glasses, including availability dates.
Smart glasses are a growing market , with more and more companies and products entering the market. But with this growth comes legitimate concerns about security . If anyone can buy glasses with hidden cameras built into them, how does this reconcile with the public, who might not want to be constantly filmed—especially without their knowledge? Some are already pushing back: this app could report people wearing smart glasses even if the frames themselves are inconspicuous. It remains to be seen how Google addresses privacy and security issues in Android XR—though the company isn’t necessarily known for its privacy concerns.
Aluminum OS
Google could also use this opportunity to talk about Aluminum OS , the company’s project to combine Android and ChromeOS. The idea is to develop a desktop version of Android, not just extend Android to work on larger screens. I’m not sure if Google will share any details about Aluminum OS development at I/O 2026, but if such an event were to take place, it would be this conference.