It’s almost time for one of Google’s busiest days of the year – its annual I/O developer conference. These events are traditionally packed with both software and hardware announcements, and this year’s keynote is going to be a packed house.
We should get details about Android 17 and its rollout schedule, a glimpse of Google’s long-awaited ChromeOS successor – Aluminum OS. It’s safe to assume that Google will be announcing new versions of its Gemini models, and we’re also expecting to see the first batch of Android XR glasses. Here’s everything we expect to see at this year’s I/O conference.
More details on Android 17
Google has already previewed the latest version of Android at its dedicated Android show I/O Edition 2026, but we’re expecting a formal introduction of Android 17 later today. The stable Android 17 update is expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2026, which will bring a number of improvements, some of which Google had already detailed.
Gemini Intelligence is a key feature of Android 17, which brings more advanced automation capabilities with multimodal input support. From booking appointments and reserving parking spots to planning trips and turning shopping lists into actual orders, Gemini Intelligence is shaping up to be a major addition to Android phones.
Google also previewed Android 17’s creator-focused features, including Screen Reaction and several Instagram-related additions, including native Ultra HDR photo capture, improved video stabilization, and Night Sight integration.
In addition to these additions, Android 17 is bringing a system-wide Material 3 expressive visual overhaul with new customization options, more widgets, updates to security, and new emoji.
aluminum os full disclosure
Chromebooks may soon go the way of the dinosaurs, and the new batch of Googlebooks will run a brand new operating system, currently codenamed Aluminum OS.
The successor to ChromeOS will combine the best of Android and ChromeOS to power PCs. The new operating system is “designed for Gemini intelligence” and will have intuitive new AI features like Google’s Magic Pointer, and will also feature deeper integration with Android phones. Hopefully, Google will provide more details on Aluminum OS along with previews of actual devices from established PC brands.
New Android XR Specs
It’s been a long time since Google announced its Android XR platform and Samsung’s Galaxy XR is still the only pair of Android XR glasses on the market.
This should change soon as more Android XR glasses are expected to be announced from brands like Xreal, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster to name a few.
google gemini update
Gemini is definitely Google’s most important product/service at the moment, and judging by recent I/O events, we should be prepared for new version updates to the current Gemini 3.1 series for developers and Gemini 2.5/3.1 Pro for consumers.
Wildcard: New Wear OS, Google TV and Google Home speaker
Apart from Android 17, Aluminum OS, and Android XR, Google may also introduce a new version of its smartwatch Wear OS platform since WearOS 6 was introduced almost a year ago. We can also expect updates to the Google TV platform as well as new Google Home speakers from third-party manufacturers.