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Google to Host Android Show and I/O 2026 Keynote in May; Focus on Android 17 and Gemini

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Google’s May 2026 Event Lineup: Two Major Shows

Google has scheduled two major events for May 2026: the Android Show: I/O Edition on May 12 and the Google I/O 2026 keynote on May 19. Both events are expected to feature announcements regarding the Android 17 operating system, the Gemini AI platform, and related products.

Event Schedule and Access

Android Show: I/O Edition

  • Date and Time: May 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM GMT)
  • Format: A streamed presentation on the Android YouTube channel. Last year's event lasted approximately 20 minutes.
  • Scope: This event is expected to focus specifically on Android ecosystem updates.

A quick, focused 20-minute stream dedicated entirely to the Android ecosystem.

Google I/O 2026

  • Keynote: May 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM UTC)
  • Developer Keynote: May 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM ET)
  • Location: Mountain View, California
  • Access: The keynote will be livestreamed on the Google YouTube channel and the Google I/O website. Developer sessions will be uploaded to the Google for Developers YouTube channel after the event.

Expected Announcements

Android 17

The Android Show on May 12 is expected to present details on the Android 17 update, which is reported to be in its beta phase.

A teaser video for the event featured the Android robot with a "Liquid Glass" appearance. However, Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat stated that a "Liquid Glass" design is not planned for the final release.

Features from developer previews and betas include:

  • "App bubbles" for windowed multitasking
  • Enhanced location controls, such as one-time location sharing
  • An indicator for non-system app location access

The Android 17 update is described by some sources as potentially a "major" or "biggest" update, with an emphasis on deeper integration of the Gemini AI.

Gemini on Android

The event is expected to feature a broader rollout of a redesign for the Gemini mobile app, which includes a pill-shaped prompt box and colorful accents.

Other potential Gemini-related additions:

  • A "Proactive Assistance" feature
  • A version number upgrade for the model

Sameer Samat described the platform's evolution as moving "from an operating system to an intelligent system."

He stated that new Gemini capabilities for user productivity are slated for release on the Galaxy S26 and Pixel 10 series, which appear linked to Android 16 QPR3's screen automation features.

Aluminium OS (Desktop Platform)

Sources report that Google may provide an official first look at Aluminium OS, described as a version of Android designed for personal computers.

  • An early UI leak from January showed a design combining elements of Android and ChromeOS.
  • A developer preview is expected after the Google I/O keynote.
  • Court documents indicate Google is targeting an initial launch in 2026, with a full release potentially delayed until 2028, particularly for enterprise and education sectors.
  • Reports suggest the OS may have heavier software requirements and may not support older hardware.
  • Google is collaborating with Qualcomm on chips for devices described as "Googlebooks."

Android XR

The Android Show is expected to provide additional details on Android XR, an operating system for extended reality (XR) devices such as smart glasses.

Reports indicate announcements regarding:

  • Collaborations with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker
  • XReal's "Project Aura" for developers

Other Potential Announcements

  • Search: Google CEO Sundar Pichai has indicated further search announcements at I/O, potentially focusing on a Gemini 4 upgrade and multi-context search, as well as updates on Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).
  • Smart Home: A new Google Home speaker, rumored to launch in the spring, may be announced.
  • Pixel Devices: The Pixel 11 series is not expected to be announced at I/O, as recent Pixel flagships have launched in August. However, Google has previously teased smartphones (e.g., Pixel 7) at I/O six months before launch.