Google I/O 2026 begins on Might 19, and whereas we have already got a reasonably good thought of what to anticipate, there’s loads of room for surprises. The tech large has been all-in on AI for the previous few years, and that most likely will not change, however there might be just a few {hardware} bulletins on faucet this 12 months.
From Android XR glasses to listening to extra about Aluminum OS, there’s quite a bit to look ahead to. Under, we’ll fill you in on what we anticipate Google to speak about throughout the I/O keynote.
Extra AI options
We anticipate Google to announce a number of new synthetic intelligence options that combine additional into its merchandise. Now that agentic AI is all the trend, we’ll most certainly see Google lean even additional on this path. The sort of AI can perform tasks on your behalf, like controlling your laptop, with minimal oversight. We’ll have to attend and see what and what number of AI options Google proclaims this time.
Let’s additionally not exclude updates to present or new merchandise that Google might announce. Veo, Lyria, Beam and numerous others might get some highlight at this 12 months’s convention.
Veo and Lyria are Google’s AI-generated video and music instruments, respectively, and have continued to enhance since they have been initially introduced. Beam is an bold and futuristic approach of video conferencing that makes use of a number of cameras to make you seem as if you are talking on to the individual in entrance of you as a 3D mannequin.
Gemini 4.0
The following era Gemini is probably going going to be introduced at Google I/O 2026
Amongst all of the AI bulletins, we’re anticipating Google to spend a big period of time speaking about its flagship AI mannequin for Gemini. Whether or not it will get a stable 4.0 standing or one thing like a 3.8, we all know the brand new model of Gemini will possible be one of many largest bulletins of Google I/O 2026.
Precisely what Google has been engaged on with Gemini is anybody’s guess. It is simple sufficient to imagine that the most recent mannequin can be smarter and sooner than earlier fashions, however Gemini itself is in almost each Google product today, so how the most recent and best AI from Google trickles down can be attention-grabbing to see.
Google lately launched a brand new notebooks function for Gemini that can allow you to retailer sources for a selected subject in a single place for straightforward entry. Notebooks are self-contained databases filled with sources on a selected subject which you could proceed so as to add to. Gemini will use a pocket book for context, so you do not have to begin another time with info sources.
These notebooks additionally sync instantly with Google’s AI analysis assistant NotebookLM, permitting you to create a number of various outputs, like video overviews, charts and extra. One of many essential differentiators between NotebookLM and Gemini is that NotebookLM will solely use your pocket book because the supply of reality, whereas Gemini will scour the web with the pocket book’s context for the search.
Gemini may also now create dynamic and interactive simulations instantly in your chats once you ask it to “present you” or “visualize” one thing.
Google hasn’t slowed its rollout of Gemini options, so much more are possible on their approach with the most recent model of the AI mannequin.
Android XR Glasses
Android XR will most definitely steal among the highlight throughout this 12 months’s I/O convention.
Google confirmed off its Android XR glasses eventually 12 months’s I/O, together with just a few partnerships it shaped to create them, so we’ll possible see the good glasses turn out to be extra of a product than an idea this 12 months.
Smart glasses are gaining reputation, and Google took awhile getting again into the house after its first swing within the sector. Google Glass was approach forward of its time, however from the demos we have seen of Android XR, that persistence might have paid off.
Google’s first set of “good glasses” again in 2013 was an apparent pair of spectacles with a protruding lens that the wearer might view info on, and even take images and file video. The product was met with rapid and important pushback as an invasion of privateness, in addition to being elitist and impolite. This ultimately resulted within the time period for the wearers as “Glassholes.”
Rather a lot has modified for the reason that introduction of Google Glass, and Android XR glasses will not look almost as apparent when launched, which might make it even creepier, however no less than they will include a load of usable options like heads-up notifications, reside translation and Gemini Live. They’re additionally launching into a longtime market now, with good glasses opponents from Meta’s collaborations with Ray-Ban, Oakley and extra. Samsung’s personal Galaxy XR headset runs on the Android XR platform and is already out there to buy. This primary piece of {hardware} operating on the platform paves the way in which for extra {hardware}, with good glasses being a pure subsequent step.
Google I/O might convey us extra demos, last {hardware} particulars and a launch date for when you’ll get Android XR glasses in your palms. Provided that there are a number of companions within the ring, the worth ranges might range, probably providing each entry-level and high-end choices.
Android 17
Android is Google’s playground for showcasing the very best of its AI options, although a few of them could also be unique to the brand new Pixel phones we anticipate to see later this 12 months.
Google launched the primary beta model of Android 17, its phone-operating system, again in February, and three further betas have been launched since, with the most recent in mid-April. We are able to anticipate the most recent model of the OS to be launched in its last type someday in June or July, shortly earlier than we anticipate the following household of Pixel units to be introduced. For the previous few years, the brand new Pixel lineup has been introduced in August throughout the Made by Google event.
Thus far, there aren’t any blockbuster options within the Android 17 beta, however Google has launched attention-grabbing tweaks all through. Probably the most attention-grabbing options up to now is app bubbles, which lets you shortly entry any app in a floating window and dismiss it to a bubble in your display screen.
Final 12 months, Google separated its Android bulletins right into a separate present per week earlier than its I/O convention: The Android Show. This allowed Google to spend extra time speaking about AI with out sacrificing the bulletins it had on faucet for Android. Whether or not The Android Present will return this 12 months stays to be seen — although reportedly, a YouTube placeholder for the occasion was accidentally set live final week earlier than being taken down.
Aluminum OS
Probably the most attention-grabbing tasks Google has been cooking up is a brand new working system that merges Android and ChromeOS. Dubbed Aluminum OS, the product will convey Android to laptops and different units with the complete Chrome net searching expertise.
When precisely we’ll see {hardware} for the brand new OS continues to be unknown, however Google might shock us with partnership bulletins or perhaps a full product announcement at I/O this 12 months. The return of a Google-made Pixelbook would not appear out of the realm of chance, both.
Merging each of Google’s working methods will possible convey a extra seamless software program expertise between how AluminumOS computer systems and Android phones work together.
