Google I/O 2026 is almost upon us. It’s Google’s annual chance to show off the software features (and maybe some hardware) that the company has been developing behind the scenes. Like other major tech keynotes, one can tune in live and see Google’s latest announcements as they happen. Here’s when Google I/O 2026 will start, and what we know about the conference so far.
When is Google I/O 2026 and when?
Google kicks off its I/O event in May every year, and 2026 is no different. This year, Google I/O will run from May 19 to May 20. If you’re used to watching a single live stream, this two-day schedule might come as a surprise. But I/O isn’t just an announcement: it’s a developer conference, with keynotes, demos, and product sessions.
But if you’re only interested in the company’s main keynote, you’ll want to get May 19 on your calendar. Google hasn’t announced an exact time for its offering, but it typically starts at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET) based on previous years.
How to Watch Google I/O 2026
While Google invites a select group of journalists to watch its presentations live, and encourages developers to register to attend its various events, you can join the live stream from anywhere in the world. Google hasn’t confirmed where its live streams will be hosted this year, but looking back, you’ll likely be able to stream the keynote from it. Official I/O websiteas well as Google’s official YouTube channel.
What will be announced at Google I/O 2026?
Short answer? We really don’t know! Google has been keeping I/O news close to the vest, and the rumors haven’t been particularly noteworthy this year — at least, not yet. Since it’s only March, it’s entirely possible that we’ll hear more about Google I/O 2026 as May approaches.
That said, there are a few things you can expect to see regardless of leaks and rumors. Android 17 will almost certainly take center stage at Google I/O this year. Google released the first beta for the OS on Wednesday.Not much has changed about Android 16 at the moment though. That said, I suspect that beta testers will discover a number of new features and changes between now and May, as Google continues to add new things to its test software ahead of I/O.
What do you think so far?
Like the last two I/Os, this year should be all about AI. Google seems to come out with new AI announcements several times a week, including adding its Lyria 3 AI music model to Gemini, or adding an agent bot to Chrome to browse the internet for you. To this point, Google rolled out its official “Save the Date Puzzle” for I/O 2026 on March 6, but this year, it’s a game of five stages that each use some degree of AI. If you complete all five “builds” you unlock the Google I/O date (even though you already know that). The games are:
“Hole-in-One” that offers an AI assistant to guide your golf putt into the hole.
“Nonogram”, which uses Gemini to create “endless game boards”.
“WordWheel,” which uses Gemini 3 to automate the design of each surface.
“Supersonic Boot,” which uses Gemini to add microphone mechanics to adjust the height of the boot
“Written Cat”, which uses Gemini 3 to balance game mechanics for “endless play”.
Considering the lengths Google has gone to with simple AI to secure data, expect Google I/O 2026 to be full of AI features—some of us might want to hear about them.
I/O 2026 may also show off some hardware, but that’s not guaranteed. Google just announced the Pixel 10a, the company’s latest “budget” phone, and it may reveal other devices in May, but I/O is really more about software than hardware. (This is a developer conference, after all.)