Google I/O 2026 is nearly upon us. Like other big tech keynotes, anyone can tune in live and catch Google's latest announcements as they happen—so long as you tune into the right place at the right time. Here's when Google I/O 2026 will kick off, and what we know about the conference at this time.
What is Google I/O?
Google I/O is the company's annual developer conference. This is Google's yearly opportunity to showcase the software features (and perhaps some of the hardware) the company has been cooking up behind the scenes.
When and what time is Google I/O 2026?
Google tends to kick off its I/O event in May of each year, and 2026 is no different. This year, Google I/O will run May 19 through May 20. If you're used to watching one single livestream, that two-day schedule might come as a surprise. But I/O isn't just an announcement: It's a developer conference, spanning 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. As usual, the event starts at 10 a.m. PT (1 p.m. ET). You can follow along on our live blog for all the latest updates, or tune into CNET Group's live stream coverage.
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 tune into the livestream wherever you are in the world. Google hasn't confirmed where its livestreams will be hosted this year, but looking to the past, you'll likely be able to stream the keynote from the official I/O website, as well as Google's official YouTube channel.
What will be announced at Google I/O 2026?
The short answer? We don't really know! Google is keeping I/O news close to the vest, and rumors haven't been particularly prolific this year. That said, there are some things you can expect to see regardless of leaks and rumors.
Usually, that'd mean Android, especially with Android 17 right around the corner. While Google may very well discuss it, the company already announced a slew of new features at The Android Show: I/O Edition last week. During the event, Google announced Gemini Intelligence, a new version of the company's AI; Googlebooks, a sort of successor to the Chromebook; and expanded AirDrop support for Android phones. It's possible that the company still has some news in reserve, but, based on this breakout event, Google likely has other news to announce.
What do you think so far?
One piece of Android news that didn't make The Android Show is Android XR, Google's upcoming smart glasses platform. The company announced at last year's I/O, but hasn't talked much about it since. If we get any new Android announcements tomorrow, that could be one of them.
Like the past couple of I/O's, this year should also be all about AI. Google seems to come out with new AI announcements multiple times a week, including adding new "Thinking levels" to the Gemini app, or adding an agentic bot to Chrome to browse the internet for you. Expect Google I/O 2026 to be full of AI features—perhaps more than some of us would like to hear about.
I/O 2026 could also show off some hardware, but that's no guarantee. Google announced the Pixel 10a back in February, the company's latest "budget" phone, and it could reveal other devices in May, but I/O really is more about the software than the hardware. (It is a developer conference, after all.)
