Google has officially marked its calendar for May 19 and 20, confirming that Google I/O 2026 will return to the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. As the company’s premier developer event, it serves as the launchpad for the next year of software innovation. While the conference is technically for developers, the opening keynote, which will be livestreamed for free, traditionally reveals the consumer features that will eventually land on the devices of billions of users.
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See you all at Google I/O starting May 19th! https://t.co/KgNKbb3nMu pic.twitter.com/OD6x3IYtTi
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) February 17, 2026
In keeping with tradition, the dates were unlocked only after the community completed a series of interactive “builds” on the official I/O website. This year’s puzzle was a full-scale showcase of Gemini 3, Google’s latest and most advanced AI model. The mini-games demonstrated “agentic” AI capabilities, showing how Gemini can act as a creator rather than just a chatbot:
- Hole in One: A mini-golf game featuring a virtual caddy that uses Gemini 3 to provide real-time, tailored gameplay advice.
- Nonogram & Stretchy Cat: These games use the AI as a “stage designer,” procedurally generating endless new levels and balancing difficulty on the fly.
- Word Wheel: Leverages Gemini to automate complex level design, ensuring every word puzzle remains balanced.
- Super Sonicbot: An experimental build where Gemini processes microphone input, allowing noise levels to control an Android Bot’s flight altitude.
The headline for most users will undoubtedly be Android 17. Following the recent release of the first developer beta, I/O is where Google typically unveils the “soul” of the new OS—the user-facing features, design tweaks, and AI integrations that define the update. Early leaks suggest a focus on “invisible intelligence,” with Android 17 potentially introducing context-aware notifications and deeper system-level optimizations for battery efficiency.
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Beyond the mobile OS, expect major updates for:
- Gemini Ecosystem: New “Live” features and deeper integration across Workspace, Maps, and Chrome.
- Android XR: With rumours of new hardware partnerships, Google may share its updated vision for spatial computing.
- Pixel Teasers: While primarily a software event, Google often uses the I/O stage to provide a “first look” at upcoming hardware like the Pixel 10a or the next generation of Pixel Buds.
The event will be available to watch live at io.google, with technical deep dives and workshops following the main keynote for those looking to build with Google’s new AI tools.
