Google I/O: With Android 16 Ticked Off, Android XR, Gemini, Other AI Products Could Take Spotlight

With just a day before Google I/O, the company’s annual flagship event, begins, the excitement around new technologies, Gemini, and Android XR is palpable. Google I/O is scheduled for May 20–21, and the keynote will be livestreamed at 10:30 p.m. on May 20.

Ahead of Google I/O, the company hosted The Android Show on May 13. Android 16 stole the limelight at the show, with Google unveiling an all-new design language—Material 3 Expressive—as well as security updates, and Gemini integration on devices. Google announced that Android and Wear OS were getting major design refreshes and Gemini would come to Android Auto, Wear OS, Google TV and Android XR.

So what’s in store at Google I/O? Here’s a look:

Android XR wasn’t part of The Android Show, so Google I/O may see major announcements about the extended reality operating system created by Google and Samsung. With Google’s Gemini AI at its core, the platform will integrate virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences for smart glasses and headsets (including Samsung’s Project Moohan). In order to compete with Apple and Meta in the mixed reality market, Google hopes that Android XR will be able to power specialised headgear made by other tech companies.

At Google I/O 2025, AI might be the main attraction, much like last year. Gemini is becoming more synced with the whole Android device ecosystem so more details are expected around that, especially around Gemini 2.5 Pro. Additionally, Gemini’s “more personalised assistant” experience, enhanced Workspace integration, and other advanced agentic features are anticipated. Google’s AI projects such as DeepMind, Project Astra, LearnLM will also get their own spotlight. 

While Android 16 got its exclusive space on The Android Show, more details can be expected at I/O. Gemini AI-powered smart notification actions, Auracast functionality (which should facilitate Bluetooth device switching), accessibility features, and lock screen widgets are all areas where I/O might offer deeper insights.

Going by the sessions planned, Google may reveal enhancements to other products, such as Gmail, Chrome, Play Store, Gemma (Google’s family of open AI models), Android development tools, and more. However, it’s unclear if these updates are significant enough to be covered in the keynote too or only developer-focused sessions.