Google I/O 2026: Everything We Know So Far – Dates, Android 17, XR, AI & More

Google has officially confirmed that I/O 2026 will take place on May 19-20 at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. The keynote kicks off at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET on May 19. While the company hasn’t shared official details yet, here’s everything we expect to see based on leaks, rumors, and Google’s recent roadmap.

Android 17: Cinnamon Bun is Baking

Google is shifting its Android release cycle, with major updates now arriving mid-year instead of alongside Pixel launches. Following the pattern set by Android 16, Android 17 is already in beta testing, with Beta 1 rolling out recently. Codenamed “Cinnamon Bun,” the current beta doesn’t show major UI changes yet—just a few Pixel Launcher tweaks—but Google is expected to save the big features for the I/O 2026 keynote.

While a massive redesign like last year’s Material 3 Expressive overhaul is unlikely, Android 17 could bring visual refinements, performance improvements, and possibly iOS-inspired glassy or blur effects. The focus this year may also shift toward optimizing Android for large-screen devices.

Wear OS 7: A Quieter Year?

Wear OS 6 already introduced major improvements over Wear OS 5, including Material 3 Expressive and performance upgrades. This year, Wear OS 7 might be relatively quieter in terms of major updates, but we still expect refinements and optimizations for the smartwatch platform.

Android XR: The Future of Mixed Reality

2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for wearables. Google moved early into the category with Android XR, a unified platform expected to power many upcoming devices. We’ll likely hear more updates about it at I/O 2026.

Android XR already powers devices like Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, but we haven’t seen many other brands adopt the platform yet. Google is likely to partner with more brands to expand its XR ecosystem.

Beyond headsets, Google is also expected to introduce a lighter version of Android XR tailored for smart glasses. Reports suggest the company has finalized navigation and control documentation for Android XR glasses and shared it with developers. I/O 2026 could be where Google dives deeper into the platform.

Google has also been working on smart glasses alongside Samsung, so we might get an early look at a commercial product during I/O 2026. Samsung has already confirmed plans to launch a Meta Ray-Ban-style rival this year, with two models expected: one with a display similar to the Meta Ray-Ban Display and one without. They’re also expected to feature a built-in 12 MP camera with autofocus and a Qualcomm AR chipset.

Aluminium OS: Google’s Unified Desktop OS

Android 17 and Android XR might not be the only operating systems Google showcases at I/O 2026. The company has reportedly been working on a replacement desktop OS for ChromeOS, and I/O could be where we see it officially first.

While there have been leaks about the rumored Aluminium OS, nothing official has been announced yet. Similar to Android’s desktop mode, it would likely support windowed apps, a taskbar, a status bar, and multitasking across multiple windows. A recent leak also revealed that Gemini could play a central role in the experience.

Gemini & AI: The Star of the Show

It wouldn’t be Google I/O without a heavy focus on AI and Gemini. Alongside its growing lineup of operating systems, we fully expect Google to dedicate a major part of the I/O 2026 keynote to new AI announcements.

While we can only speculate for now, it’s safe to assume more Gemini across Google’s entire product portfolio. The company recently upgraded Gemini with tools like Personal Intelligence and introduced a Gemini-powered AI Inbox in Gmail. However, for Android phones, the company has been testing giving Gemini more control over apps and system actions, and we won’t be surprised to see a live demo on stage.

On the broader front, Google has also partnered with Apple to integrate Gemini into Apple’s AI models and Siri, so we could see updates related to that collaboration as well.

Beyond mobile, updates to Search, Chrome, and Google Workspace are also almost guaranteed. Google recently introduced the Universal Commerce Protocol for agentic shopping experiences, so that could easily make its way into the keynote with partner demos.

What Else to Expect?

• Large-screen optimizations for Android 17
• Smart glasses updates and potential product reveals
• AI-powered productivity tools across Google’s ecosystem
• Developer tools and platform updates
• Partner announcements for Android XR and other initiatives

We’ll be at the I/O 2026 keynote to bring you all the latest news and hands-on coverage from the ground, so make sure you check back for updates.

Tags: Google I/O 2026, Android 17, Wear OS 7, Android XR, smart glasses, mixed reality, AI, Gemini, Aluminium OS, ChromeOS, Samsung Galaxy XR, Meta Ray-Ban, Qualcomm AR, Personal Intelligence, Universal Commerce Protocol, large-screen devices, Material 3 Expressive, Pixel Launcher, developer tools, tech news, Google keynote, Shoreline Amphitheater.

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