Here's What We Expect to See at Google I/O 2026
· Lifehacker
Google I/O is rapidly approaching. Google's big developer conference kicks off May 19 and will be available to stream live for anyone not invited to the keynote in California. While you likely won't get a look at the company's upcoming Pixel products, this presentation will contain a slew of software announcements—though we don't exactly know what Google has up its sleeve.
Last year, the company made a number of interesting announcements. We got our first look at Android XR, Google’s platform for smart glasses; AI Mode’s general rollout for Search, following an initial beta period; Gemini Live's official rollout 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 the rumors have been pretty thin. That said, we can make some educated guesses here to figure out what Google might be planning:
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Google will almost assuredly reveal more AI at I/O
Google, like most tech companies, is all-in on AI right now. That's not going to change with I/O 2026. In fact, expect to see plenty of new AI announcements, both in features and performance leaps. Keep an eye out for updates to the company's big AI products, like Veo (AI video), Nano Banana (AI images), Lyria (AI music), and Gemma (lightweight open models).
Speaking of 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 chatbot 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 the tech to Google Maps, rolling Nano Banana into the chatbot, and changing how it deals with mental health. I'm fully expecting to see some major Gemini updates at I/O 2026—even if the rumor mill is quiet on specifics.
We'll likely see some Android 17 details
Google has been beta testing Android 17 since February, though it's definitely a minor update thus far. That doesn't mean Google is skimping on new features: The update includes the ability to remap gaming controllers natively for the first time on Android, as well as the ability to run apps in "bubbles" that you can minimize on the screen until you're ready to use them.
Interestingly, the company decided to break out the Android portion of 2025's event into its own keynote, which it called "The Android Show." That freed Google up to spend the main I/O keynote talking about AI. As of yet, there are no plans for another "Android Show" this year, so I expect any Android 17 news to be contained to the main event.
Google may announce Android XR news at I/O
Google announced Android XR at last year’s I/O event. The pitch focused on a HUD that displays Android elements in your view—including things like messages and Google Maps. That 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 of when we can buy them.
Smart glasses are an emerging market, with more companies and products hitting the scene. But with that growth comes legitimate security concerns. When anyone can buy a pair of glasses with subtle, embedded cameras, how does that square with a public that may not want to be filmed at all times—especially without their knowledge? Some are already fighting back: This app can snitch on people who are wearing smart glasses, in case the frames themselves aren't obvious. 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
Google might also take the opportunity to talk about Aluminum OS, the company’s mission to combine Android and ChromeOS. The idea is to design a version of Android for desktop—not simply expand Android to run on larger displays. I'm not sure if Google will share Aluminum OS developments at I/O 2026, but if there was an event for it, it'd be this one.