Google I/O 2026: How to watch and what to expect

Google’s annual conference is here. We’re looking forward to more updates for Gemini, Search, and any other product that Google has put AI into. The main story starts later today – here’s what to expect.

When Google I/O is happening and where to watch it

Google I/O kicks off at 10AM PT / 1PM ET today, May 19, with a keynote, which will be webcast. Google’s YouTube channel and on Google I/O page. Unlike last week’s Android Show, I/O’s keynotes are usually quite long, around two hours, so plan accordingly if you hope to watch the whole thing.

Seaside will also be showing the event live. Check back when the program starts to follow with our live blog.

Another year of Gemini changes

We shouldn’t be surprised that Gemini and AI updates could be the focus of Google I/O. This year, the update may include a new version of Gemini and an AI feature, which has been on the rise for the past few months with AI tools like Claude Code.

Google gave us a preview of what I/O could store at the Android Showwhere they announced “Gemini Intelligence,” which includes many AI task automation features and a tool that allows users to create custom widgets. At I/O, Google may announce similar features to its search and other services.

Along with AI announcements, Google I/O may also include updates on Android XR. SeasideVictoria’s song came on try smart glasses Android XR debuted at last year’s I/O, but no glasses with Google’s operating system were launched. Google has announced more smart glasses cooperation at that time, as well. It is possible that Google has glasses from their partners ready to show this year.

Samsung is coming Galaxy glasseswhich is expected to run Android XR, could be seen at I/O, too, but it’s still there rumours that Samsung is holding a July Galaxy Unpacked event. The Galaxy sunglasses are expected to be frameless, similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart sunglasses.

Gemini smart home speaker

Glasses aren’t the only new products Google will have at I/O. Google should provide updates on Google Home speakers it first announced last year. According to recent leaksWalmart is also introducing its new Gemini speaker, which may show more support for third-party hardware.