Google I/O 2025: Key announcements and viewing guide

Google’s annual I/O developer conference is breaking new ground this year with a split schedule—an Android-focused show on May 13 followed by the main event on May 20. This unconventional approach suggests Google is prioritizing AI as the centerpiece of its major announcements while giving Android its own dedicated spotlight. The dual-format structure provides a glimpse into Google’s strategic priorities as it continues to evolve its ecosystem across mobile, AI, and potentially new hardware categories.

The big picture: Google I/O 2025 will feature two separate livestreamed events, beginning with “The Android Show: I/O Edition” on May 13 at 10 a.m. PT, followed by the main conference on May 20.

• The main I/O event will include a general keynote at 10 a.m. PT and a developer-focused session at 1 p.m. PT from the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View.
• This split format represents a departure from Google’s traditional approach of embedding Android announcements within the broader I/O conference.

Android’s accelerated timeline: Google appears to be fast-tracking Android 16’s release schedule, with early versions indicating significant new features and capabilities.

• Lock-screen widgets are reportedly making a comeback, alongside AI-generated notification summaries and new tools for secure health data management.
• Android 16 is also expected to introduce stricter security features, enhanced accessibility options for visually impaired users, and potentially a “desktop” mode for Pixel phones.

Hardware speculation: Beyond software announcements, rumors suggest Google may unveil new smart glasses technology during the conference.

• While Google previously canceled its Project Iris initiative, the company debuted a new operating system for VR headsets in December, indicating continued interest in the wearable space.
• Any new smart glasses might integrate Project Astra, Google’s AI-powered voice assistant technology.

AI takes center stage: The primary I/O conference is expected to heavily emphasize artificial intelligence advancements across Google’s product ecosystem.

• Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview may debut with enhanced coding capabilities to strengthen Google’s position in the competitive AI development space.
• Google is reportedly working on a more conversational AI interface for search, potentially reshaping how users interact with the company’s core product.

Streaming schedule highlights: Google has organized sessions across both days of the main event, focusing on different aspects of its technology stack.

• May 20 will feature updates on Chrome, Google Cloud, Google Play, and web features.
• May 21 sessions will cover Android development tools and Gemmaverse updates for developers looking to build on Google’s platforms.