Google I/O is fast approaching. Google’s big developer conference It will start from 19 May and will be available to stream live for anyone not invited to the keynote in California. While you won’t get a look at the company’s upcoming Pixel products, the presentation will include several software announcements—though we don’t know exactly what Google has up its sleeve.
Last year, the company made several interesting announcements. We got our first look at Android XR, Google’s platform for smart glasses; After an initial beta period, a general rollout of an AI mode for search; Official Rollout of Gemini Live on iPhones; Try It On, a feature that lets you virtually try on clothes; And new AI models across Google’s product line. This year will likely feature similar announcements, though rumors have been slim. That said, here are some educated guesses we can make as to what Google is planning:
Google will almost certainly reveal more AI at I/O
Google, like most tech companies, is all-in on AI right now. That won’t change with I/O 2026. In fact, expect to see plenty of new AI announcements in both features and performance leaps. Keep an eye out for updates to the company’s major AI products, such as Veo (AI video), Nano Banana (AI images), Lyria (AI music), and Gemma (lightweight open models).
As for AI, chances are good that we’ll see a new version of Gemini at this year’s event. Gemini is Google’s flagship AI, including both its chatbots and its AI models. That likely means new models that are faster and more capable than previous iterations. Google has been full speed ahead on Gemini news lately, Adding tech to Google MapsRolling Nano Banana in ChatbotAnd Changing how it deals with mental health. I fully expect to see some big Gemini updates at I/O 2026 – even if the rumor mill is quiet on the specifications.
We will likely see some Android 17 details
Google has been beta testing Android 17 since February, though it’s definitely a minor update so far. That doesn’t mean Google is skimping on new features: the update includes Ability to natively remap gaming controllers For the first time on Android, the ability to do as well Run applications in “bubbles”. You can minimize it on the screen until you are ready to use it.
Interestingly, the company decided to break up the Android portion of the 2025 event in its own keynote, which it called “Android Show.” That freed up Google to spend the main I/O keynote talking about AI. So far, there are no plans for another “Android Show” this year, so I expect any news from Android 17 to be included in the main event.
What do you think so far?
Google may announce Android XR news at I/O
Google announced Android XR at last year’s I/O event. Pitch focuses on a HUD that displays Android components in your view—including things like messages and Google Maps. It also includes Gemini Live integration, which makes sense. (What good are smart glasses without an assistant that can see what you see?) At the time, Google announced a number of partnerships for its smart glasses platform, including Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Maybe we’ll learn about some Android XR-powered glasses this year, along with a timeline for when we can buy them.
Smart glasses are an emerging marketWith more companies and products hitting the scene. But with that growth Legitimate security concerns arise. When anyone can buy a pair of glasses with a subtle, embedded camera, how does that square with a public that doesn’t want to be filmed all the time — especially without their knowledge? Some are already fighting back: This app can rip people off For those who wear smart glasses, if the frame itself is not clear. We’ll have to see how Google handles privacy and security with Android XR—though the company isn’t necessarily known for privacy.
Aluminum OS
Might as well take the opportunity to talk about Google Aluminum OSThe company’s mission is to connect Android and ChromeOS. The idea is to design a version of Android for the desktop – not just extend Android to run on a larger display. I’m not sure if Google will share Aluminum OS development at I/O 2026, but if there’s an event for it, this will be it.
