Google I/O 2025: what to expect

It’s almost time for Google I/O, and according to the company, this year’s show will introduce software developers to “the latest developer tools and learn how they drive innovation and improve workflow to maximize productivity.” And while the highlights of the presentation are already known, viewers can always expect some surprises. There’s a chance to learn a bit more about Android 16, Android XR, and a slew of updates to Google Gemini, Project Astra, and more.
And there’s a chance to learn a bit more about Android 16, Android XR, and a host of updates to Google Gemini, Project Astra, and more.
When the event will take place

Google I/O usually takes place in May each year, though there’s no specific date. Google likes to kick off the event with a keynote, and this year will be no exception.
The company has confirmed that I/O 2025 will be held at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. The event will kick off with a Google Keynote on Tuesday, May 20, at 8 p.m. MST, which will be streamed live, followed by a Developer Keynote. Developer sessions will be held throughout May 20 and May 21.
Highlights
There’s a lot to see at Google I/O 2025. Some of the rumors may well be presented, but that’s just speculation. We’ll be able to find out the exact program of the presentation directly during the presentation itself.
Android 16

Android 16 will be released very soon, so there’s a good chance that we’ll see the newest OS announced at Google I/O 2025. Beta 3 has already launched, and new features have already been tested: notifications with real-time updates, Bluetooth LE audio sharing via Auracast, a “notification cooling” feature (helping users adjust the flow of incoming notifications), and adaptive refresh rates.
Google is also introducing prioritized modes, adding more control and customization to Do Not Disturb. You’ll be able to create your own modes, each with its own rules, icon and name — for example, a sleep mode that puts all notifications in silent mode. You’ll also be able to see updates to the camera controls and small changes to functionality and health.
So you’ll also be able to see updates to camera controls and small changes to functionality and health.
Android 16 for TVs
Google also mentioned that developers should prepare for the release of Android 16 for TVs.
Material 3 Expressive
The company is about to announce Material 3 Expressive, the latest evolution of Material Design 3. Apparently, it’s “the future of Google’s UX design,” with new guidelines and “emotional design patterns.” That means more interesting transitions and animations to improve interaction, as well as more options for visual customization.
WearOS 5.1 release date

We’re unlikely to see WearOS 6 launch at Google I/O, as the company usually releases the latest version of WearOS in July if it sticks to past experience. WearOS 5 came out in July 2024, so we can expect WearOS 6 to arrive in a few months.
WearOS 5.1, which is currently available on the Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3, may get a release date announcement, bringing some new features and stability improvements.
WearOS 5.1 is currently available on the Pixel Watch, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Watch 3.
Google Gemini enhancements/additions
The presentation is likely to focus heavily on artificial intelligence and Google Gemini, with a number of updates and announcements.
Gemini in the car
Gemini is likely to appear on Google’s in-car platform, via Android Auto, and there’s a chance to learn a bit more about it at the presentation. The developer session will also focus on new in-car apps.
Gemini Nano and integrations
We’re also expecting updates to Gemini Nano, an artificial intelligence model that runs directly on devices like the OnePlus 13, as well as updates to Gemini’s features and integrations.
Project Astra

At last year’s Google I/O, we were introduced to Project Astra — a next-generation AI assistant that can receive information from the real world and react to what it sees. So it seems likely that we’ll see some updates to the assistant at this year’s event — although it’s worth waiting a bit to see what those updates will be.
At this year’s event we’ll see some updates to the assistant — although it’s worth waiting a bit to see what those updates will be.
Android XR

We also can’t wait to learn more about Android XR, the new OS for glasses and XR headsets. Samsung’s Project Moohan headset was revealed at Galaxy Unpacked in January. Samsung has hinted that we might learn a bit more about it, developed in collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, later this year. So we’ll likely learn more about Android XR at Google I/O 2025 in a few weeks. We’ll probably also learn about what other devices might use Android XR.
New Devices

Google I/O 2024 took place shortly after the Pixel 8a was unveiled, though the smartphone itself was not unveiled at the event itself. It looks like this trend will continue at Google I/O 2025, so we don’t expect anything new in hardware — but we may be surprised.
At Google I/O 2025, we’re not expecting anything new in hardware — but we may be surprised.
Ahead of Google I/O 2025, we’ve already seen the Pixel 9a, with the Pixel 10 series expected in August. Other devices that could be seen this year include — the Pixel Watch 4, which could arrive alongside the Pixel 10, a continuation of the Pixel Buds A series, a new Nest device and a possible Chromecast replacement.
The article Google I/O 2025: What to expect was first published on ITZine.ru.