Google I/O 2025: What to expect, including updates to Gemini and Android 16

Google I/O, Google’s biggest developer conference of the year, is almost here.

Scheduled for May 20 to 21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, I/O will feature product announcements from various Google platforms. Expect updates on Android, Chrome, Google Search, YouTube, and Google’s AI-powered chatbot, Gemini.

Here’s a preview of what to expect.

Gemini and AI

AI is a hot topic, and Google is heavily investing in it. Expect updates on Google’s Gemini family of AI models at I/O. Rumors suggest an upcoming Gemini Ultra model, the top-tier offering in the Gemini lineup.

Along with the new Gemini Ultra, Google might introduce a higher-priced Gemini subscription tier. Currently, Gemini Advanced at $20 per month unlocks extra features in the Gemini chatbot, powered by Gemini models. Possible new plans include Premium Plus and Premium Pro, offering additional benefits at different price points.

Google will likely discuss Astra, its initiative for AI apps and agents for real-time understanding, and Project Mariner, AI agents for web navigation. References to “Computer Use” on Google’s AI Studio platform hint at Mariner developments.

Android 16

Google will host The Android Show, a dedicated event for Android updates, ahead of I/O. The focus will be on Android 16, featuring improved notifications and a new design language, Material 3 Expressive.

Material 3 Expressive promises a top-to-bottom redesign with enhanced responsiveness and engaging “action elements.” Android 16 will also bring support for Auracast, lock screen widgets, and accessibility features.

Google might also highlight updates for Android XR and Wear OS, its operating systems for mixed reality and wearables, respectively.

Everything else

Beyond The Android Show and keynote addresses, Google’s I/O schedule includes sessions on Chrome, Google Cloud, Google Play, Android development tools, and Gemma, Google’s AI models.

Previous I/O surprises like LearnLM for education and NotebookLM updates hint at more AI-related announcements. Speculations point to a new “Video Overviews” tool leveraging Google’s Veo 2 model for creating video summaries.