Google’s annual I/O developer conference is fast approaching, marking one of the tech giant’s busiest days of the year. These events are typically packed with both software and hardware announcements, and this year’s keynote is shaping up to be no exception.
The event is expected to reveal details about Android 17 and its rollout schedule. Attendees will also get a glimpse of Google’s long-awaited successor to ChromeOS, codenamed Aluminum OS. It is highly likely that Google will announce new versions of its Gemini models, and the first batch of Android XR glasses is also anticipated. Here’s a roundup of what to expect from this year’s I/O conference.
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.
Android 17’s marquee feature is Gemini Intelligence, which enhances automation capabilities with multimodal input support. This new feature will allow users to book appointments, reserve parking spots, plan trips, and transfer shopping lists to actual orders. Gemini Intelligence is set 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. These include native Ultra HDR photo capture, improved video stabilization, and Night Sight integration.
Outside of these additions, Android 17 will bring a system-wide Material 3 Expressive visual overhaul with new customization options, more widgets, updates to security, and new emojis.
Chromebooks may soon be replaced by a new batch of Googlebooks running a brand-new operating system, currently codenamed Aluminum OS.
The ChromeOS successor will power PCs that combine 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. It will also have deep integration with Android phones. Hopefully, Google will provide more details on Aluminum OS alongside previewing actual devices from established PC brands.
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 is expected to change soon, with more Android XR glasses anticipated from brands like Xreal, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster, to name a few.
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.
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.
