With The Android Show now out of the way, attention is shifting toward Google's next big event. Google I/O is easily one of the company's biggest events of the year, and honestly, one of the biggest tech events overall.
We've already heard about many of the major Android 17 features and updates during last week's Android Show. Now it's time for the spotlight to shift toward Google's other products and services, especially Gemini. I/O is usually where we hear about everything else shaping Google's ecosystem, from AI and Workspace to broader software updates and developer tools.
For 2026, Google has confirmed that I/O will run across two days, May 19 and May 20. The main keynote kicks off on Tuesday, May 19, at 1 p.m. ET, followed by multiple developer sessions, workshops, and announcements throughout the event.
The Android Central team will also be there in person to cover everything live and bring updates directly from the ground.
That said, this year's I/O is shaping up to be a pretty major one, with big updates expected across Google's services and platforms. If you're wondering how to watch I/O 2026 live and what announcements to expect, here's everything we know so far.
When is Google I/O 2026?
This year's Google I/O kicks off on May 19, with the main keynote starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. As it has done in recent years, Google first hinted at the dates through an online puzzle before officially confirming them shortly after.
Similar to the past few years, the main I/O keynote will once again take place at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. Thankfully, Google will livestream the entire event for those who can't attend in person.
If you do want to attend in person, you can register to watch the keynote live alongside developers and partners, with full details below.
How to live stream Google I/O 2026 keynote
Alongside confirming the dates, Google had initially opened in-person registrations for I/O 2026, allowing developers to sign up for the event. However, registrations have now filled up, and it is no longer possible to register for an in-person spot.
That said, you can still watch the entire event live through Google's official I/O website and YouTube channel. We've also updated the livestream link above, so you can directly come back here during the keynote and watch it from this page itself.
Since Google is streaming the I/O 2026 keynote on YouTube, you'll pretty much be able to watch it on any device you want, whether that's your Android phone, laptop, smart TV, tablet, or even a gaming console. You can even get notified about when the event goes live by tapping the Remind me option in the YouTube embed above.
What to expect from Google I/O 2026?
As for what to expect from Google I/O 2026, the event is shaping up to be one of Google's most important conferences in recent years. And not just because of Gemini or AI, but because for the first time in a long while, Google seems to be working on multiple operating systems and platforms that could finally take center stage.
The company has already revealed a lot about Android 17, but there are still several unanswered questions. We still haven't properly heard about the operating system powering Googlebook devices, and Google also hasn't shared much about Android XR yet.
With Samsung expected to debut its Galaxy Glasses at Unpacked in July, it's very likely that Google will finally unveil Android XR for smart glasses during the I/O keynote this year.
Of course, Gemini will remain at the center of almost everything Google announces. The company is expected to talk not just about the chatbot itself, but also deeper Gemini integrations across Search, Chrome, Workspace, and Android.
There have also been recent leaks around something called the Gemini Omni model. Right now, Gemini can already help edit images using text prompts, but Google reportedly wants to take things much further with video editing. The Omni model is expected to allow much more advanced text-to-video and video-to-video editing workflows.
We may also hear more about Google's rumored desktop ambitions. Aluminium OS hasn't been officially confirmed, but if Google is serious about unifying Android and ChromeOS, I/O would be the ideal stage for it.
As in previous years, Android Central will be on the ground at Google I/O, bringing you full coverage and the latest updates from the keynote. We'll also host a live blog during the event so you can follow along in real time. Be sure to tune in on May 19 for live coverage.
