What to Expect from Google I/O 2026: Gemini upgrades, Android features, Aluminium OS, and more
Source: Android Authority
Google I/O 2026: Schedule and livestream
The Google I/O keynote is scheduled for May 19 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. If you’re not among those invited to attend the event in person, you can catch it on the livestream on Google’s official YouTube channel.
We will also be covering Google I/O 2026, and you can follow along with our coverage.
What to expect from Google I/O 2026?
Expectations are sky‑high for what could be one of Google’s most ambitious events in years. From major Gemini upgrades and the possible debut of Aluminium OS to Android 17’s next‑gen features and new Android XR hardware, Google appears ready to push deeper into AI, cross‑device experiences, and entirely new form factors. Here’s what we’re expecting to see this year.
Android announcements
Image: Android 17 logo
Like last year, Google is hosting a separate Android Show I/O Edition to talk about upcoming Android features and other developments. This pre‑recorded show will be played on YouTube a week before the main keynote, i.e., May 12 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET.
We expect Google to showcase what’s coming to Android over the next couple of months, including more Android 17 features. A full‑fledged stable rollout is not expected yet. Android 17 Beta 4 was released nearly two weeks ago with minor changes, and although Google calls it “the near‑final environment,” the stable build is likely to arrive later. Based on the release timeline for Android 16 last year, the Android 17 release is anticipated sometime in June.
Gemini 4.0
Image: Google Gemini logo
Google is expected to announce a new version of Gemini at the event. While it is unclear whether it will be labeled 4.0 or another 3.x update, rumors suggest a major overhaul of Gemini’s capabilities.
On the consumer front, the company recently brought Gemini to cars and has been steadily improving its capabilities with features like Gemini notebooks. Since Gemini is integrated into almost every Google product and service, we expect a substantial portion of the keynote to focus on it.
We also anticipate more details about Gemini’s agentic capabilities on Android devices. Hints about these features have appeared in articles such as Gemini automation & control, and Google already dropped some capabilities with the March Pixel update. The I/O keynote (or the Android Show) should shed further light on this evolution.
Aluminium OS
Image: Google Search logo
It is quite likely that Google will dedicate a segment to Aluminium OS. While we can’t confirm hardware announcements, there may be discussions about partnerships and updates on the development of Aluminium OS at I/O 2026.
Android XR Glasses
Last year, Google showcased the Android XR platform and its partners. This year, we expect a more consumer‑ready product.
Samsung already has the Galaxy XR headset running on Android XR, so we might see additional products, possibly the leaked Galaxy Glasses slated for launch this year.
Google’s Android XR partnerships include Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and XREAL. We hope to see headsets across a wide range of price points and capabilities, which would be a definite win for consumers.