Google I/O 2026: what to expect

It’s almost time for one of Google’s busiest days of the year – its annual I/O developer conference. These events are traditionally pretty dense with both software and hardware announcements, and this year’s keynote is set to be jam-packed.

We should be getting details on Android 17 and its rollout schedule, a glimpse into Google’s long-awaited ChromeOS successor – Aluminum OS. It’s safe to assume that Google will announce new versions of its Gemini models, and we’re also expecting to see the first batch of Android XR glasses, too. Here’s everything we expect to see at this year’s I/O conference.

More details on Android 17

Google already previewed the latest version of Android at its dedicated Android Show I/O Edition 2026 but we are expecting a formal introduction to Android 17 later today. The stable Android 17 update is expected to arrive in Q2 2026, bringing a host of improvements, some of which were already detailed by Google.

Gemini Intelligence is Android 17’s marquee feature, bringing more advanced automation capabilities with multimodal input support. From booking appointments and reserving parking spots to planning trips and transferring shopping lists to actual orders, Gemini Intelligence is shaping up to be a major addition to Android phones.

Google also previewed Android 17’s creator-centric features including Screen Reactions and several Instagram-related additions, including native Ultra HDR photo capture, improved video stabilization and Night Sight integration.

Outside of these additions, Android 17 is bringing system-wide Material 3 Expressive visual overhaul with new customization options, more widgets, updates to security and new emoji.

Aluminum OS full reveal

Chromebooks may be going the way of the dinosaurs soon, and the new batch of Googlebooks will be running a brand-new operating system, which is currently codenamed Aluminum OS.

The ChromeOS successor will power PCs combining the best of Android and ChromeOS. The new operating system is “designed for Gemini Intelligence” and will feature intuitive new AI features like Google’s Magic Pointer, and it will also feature deep integration with Android phones. Hopefully, Google will provide more details on Aluminum OS alongside previewing actual devices from established PC brands.

New Android XR glasses

It’s been a while since Google announced its Android XR platform and Samsung’s Galaxy XR are still the only pair of Android XR glasses on the market.

This should change soon with more Android XR glasses expected to be announced from brands like Xreal, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster to name a few.

Google Gemini updates

Gemini is arguably Google’s most important product/service at the moment, and judging by recent I/O events, we should be in for a new version update to the current Gemini 3.1 series for developers and Gemini 2.5/3.1 Pro for consumers.

Wildcards: New Wear OS, Google TV, and Google Home speakers

Outside of Android 17, Aluminum OS and Android XR, Google could also reveal a new version of its smartwatch Wear OS platform as WearOS 6 was introduced nearly one year ago. We could very well expect updates to the Google TV platform, as well as new Google Home speakers from third-party makers.