Google I/O 2026 will be held from May 19 to 20. According to the official schedule, the main keynote will begin at 10:00 AM on May 19 (2:00 AM KST on May 20). This summary excludes content from the pre-released Android Show and focuses only on rumors and expected announcements that are likely to be revealed at the main event.
The biggest focus is Gemini. Foreign media outlets believe it is highly likely that this year's I/O will serve as an opportunity to expand Gemini into a 'connection layer' linking Search, Chrome, Workspaces, and the Cloud. It is highly probable that the focus will be on announcements that integrate AI across all Google products, rather than on updates to a single chatbot.
AI updates are also expected for search. Wired reported that Google is highly likely to announce further AI-based search updates at I/O. Given the strong push for AI Mode and the AI search experience at last year's I/O, discussions suggest that this year, Gemini will take on the role of more directly handling answers, comparisons, summaries, and actions within the search results page.
AI video generation is also at the center of rumors. Some reports suggest that a new video generation model, appearing to be 'Gemini Omni' or an extension of the Veo family, could be unveiled at I/O. Leaked metadata mentions the phrase ‘VEO_MODE_OMNI.’ While not a confirmed announcement, given that Google is already pushing Flow and Veo, it is highly likely that a Creative AI announcement will be made.
XR smart glasses are also a key point to watch. Google has announced a showcase for Android XR smart glasses at I/O 2026, and partners such as Samsung, XREAL, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster are being mentioned. Interest is particularly high among Korean readers due to the inclusion of Gentle Monster. The key question is whether this is merely a demo or if a launch schedule and actual product partnerships will be revealed.
There is also a possibility of a smart home announcement. Google teased a Gemini-based Google Home speaker for 2025 and mentioned a spring 2026 launch. Wired viewed this I/O as a good time to reveal a specific release date for this product. It could be an announcement demonstrating the trend of Gemini expanding beyond smartphones.
Another rumor concerns a desktop operating system. 'Aluminium OS,' which combines Android and ChromeOS, or an Android-based PC experience are being discussed. 9to5Google identified relevant clues in Google job postings and bug reports, and Tom's Guide also mentioned the possibility that Google might explain its desktop successor strategy at I/O.
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