Google I/O 2026 officially kicks off in May: here's when and what we expect to see

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Google I/O 2025 logo at keynote event.
(Image credit: Future)
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Google I/O 2026 is still a few months away, but we have an official date from the tech giant and some idea of what we can expect to see.

According to an announcement email sent to Tom's Guide, I/O 2026 will cover AI, Android, Chrome, and cloud "breakthroughs." It also mentions product demos, though the I/O website seems to be teasing more of a software showcase.

Google I/O 2026: Date and location

Google has confirmed that I/O conference will kick off on May 19 with the keynote address starting at 10 a.m. PST/ 1 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. BST. The conference will run through May 20 with Google hosting a variety of talks and demos on several topics, some of which you'll be able to livestream from your home. And if you can't watch the news as it happens, we'll be covering the event in a live blog like we normally do.

As with previous editions, the keynote will be in person and take place at the Shoreline Amphitheatre at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, CA. You should be able to livestream the keynote from the Google I/O webpage, and more than likely on the Google YouTube channel as well.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for AI

Gemini

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Google hasn't released a schedule for I/O 2026 yet, but there are some things we think the company will discuss including AI.

AI and Google's assistant Gemini have been a key talking point at I/O for the last few years. That is unlikely to change in 2026. Especially as Gemini is being integrated with Apple Intelligence this year, though I doubt Google will address that at I/O.

Gemini will receive much of the focus and we can foresee Google announcing how it will integrate deeper into more programs and devices in the Google ecosystem. Gemini is still mostly absent from cars and wearables, despite it replacing Google Assistant.

Of course, Google has multiple LLMs that are in constant development, so we will hear more about different AI initiatives at Google.

Plus, there's Android which will more than likely feature more AI integration.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for Android

Android 17 badge superimposed on a Google Pixel phone

(Image credit: Google)

Speaking of Android. The first Android 17 beta launched last week just in time for Valentine's Day.

The first beta comes with several upgrades like new defaults for running keyboards, navigation and color profiles that should work seamlessly depending on if you're using a foldable or standard smartphone. It also has some new photography modes and better medical device pairing.

We expect Android 17 to launch for Pixel phones anytime between March and the end of June. So it's very likely that Google will have a lot to share about the next Android update at I/O.

We don't know much about 17, but it may take some liquid glass inspiration from Apple.

Outside of phones, we could finally see a real look at the rumored Android/Chrome combined operating system which Google has teased in the last few months.

Last year, Google revealed Android XR, and while I don't expect anything major about the wearable OS, we should hear some updates, especially as new devices are expected to launch later this year.

Google I/O 2026: What to expect for Devices

Pixel 10 lineup.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Google I/O is typically very software focused, but hardware does get some shine. For example, we got an early hands-on with Samsung's Galaxy XR headset at last year's event, then known as Project Moohan.

This year, we might get teases for the upcoming Pixel 11 and the Pixel Watch 5, but I wouldn't put much stock there.

One device we might hear about though is the Xreal Project Aura smart glasses. The partnership was revealed at last year's I/O, and hopefully, we'll learn more at this year's edition.

Google I/O 2026: Everything else we might hear about

Google I/O 2025.

(Image credit: Future)

Without the schedule, we don't know exactly what to expect but Google did say that Chrome will be featured in its announcement.

We will also likely see more talks and presentations concerning Waymo, cars and Google Pay. Many of those talks may not be livestreamed and will be more technical in nature though.

That said, they could be mentioned in the keynote as something to look forward to.

Tom's Guide will be on hand to track all of Google's announcements and we'll provide more information on the livestreams and features as we get closer to May.

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Scott Younker
Scott Younker
West Coast Reporter

Scott Younker is the West Coast Reporter at Tom’s Guide. He covers all the lastest tech news. He’s been involved in tech since 2011 at various outlets and is on an ongoing hunt to build the easiest to use home media system. When not writing about the latest devices, you are more than welcome to discuss board games or disc golf with him. He also handles all the Connections coverage on Tom's Guide and has been playing the addictive NYT game since it released.

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