Google I/O 2026: How to watch live and everything Google could announce

Google I/O 2026 is just hours away, and the grand keynote is scheduled for May 19. Last year’s event focused a lot on AI, and we expect a similar theme this time. This is what to expect from Google I/O 2026.

This year, 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 watch it livestreamed on Google’s official YouTube channel (embedded above).

We will also cover Google I/O 2026 and you can follow 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 updates and the potential debut of Aluminum OS to the next-gen features of Android 17 and new Android XR hardware, Google appears ready to delve deeper into AI, cross-device experiences, and entirely new form factors. This is what we hope to see this year.

Like last year, Google organized a separate session Android Show I/O Edition to talk about upcoming Android features and other developments. This year, the pre-recorded program was played on YouTube a week before the keynote address on May 12. Google had promised that this would be one of the biggest years for Android, and there was certainly a lot to unpack.

Some of the most important revelations include Gemini IntelligenceGoogle’s new AI Agent boost for Android, a batch of Android Auto updates with Material 3 Expressive, widgets, video app support and Dolby Atmos, and google booksa new category of premium Android laptops from partners such as Acer, ASUS and Lenovo. The first Googlebooks will come out this fall, with built-in Gemini, support for Android apps, streaming phone apps, and features like Magic Pointer and Create My Widget.

Google is expected to announce a new version of Gemini at the event. While it’s unclear if it’ll get the 4.0 treatment or be another 3.x update, it’s rumored to be a major overhaul of the Gemini’s capabilities.

On the consumer front, the company recently brought Gemini to cars and has been constantly improving its capabilities with features like gemini notebooks. Since Gemini is a part of almost all of Google’s products and services, we think Google will spend a good amount of time talking about it on stage during its keynote, and updates will surely come to the Gemini app.

While the Google I/O main event might contain more surprises, a lot was revealed at the Android Show, and Google gave us a clearer view of Gemini Intelligence. The company showed off examples, including Chrome auto-navigation, smarter form filling, AI-generated widgets, Gboard’s Rambler dictation cleanup, and Android Auto features that can use the context of your messages, email, and calendar to help with voice-controlled responses or tasks.

It’s no secret that Google has been working on creating an Android-based PC operating system called Aluminum OS. We recently saw Alleged official Aluminum OS wallpapersand Sameer Samat confirmed a 2026 release earlier this year too. At The Android Show, Google gave us an idea of ​​what to expect from the new software on Googlebooks, but did not reveal the official name of the operating system.

So it’s likely that Google will have a segment dedicated to Aluminum OS, or at least something that pokes fun at the software.

TO leak published shortly before the Android show It may have given us our best look yet at the Aluminum OS. Screenshots and a 16-minute hands-on video appear to show an Android-style desktop interface with a lower app dock, virtual desktops, compact notifications and quick settings, and a “Link to iOS” app.

Samsung already has the Galaxy Galaxy Glasseswhich Samsung is expected to launch this year.

Since Google has several partnerships with Android XR, including Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and XREALHopefully we’ll see headphones in a wide range of prices and capabilities, which would be a definite win for consumers.