Google I/O 2025: Android 16 and everything else we expect to see

Google I/O is one of the most important events of the year for Android and Google at large. The event usually involves developer-related news and advancements, but we also get plenty of consumer-centric announcements. Here’s what to expect from Google I/O 2025.

Google I/O 2025: Important information

• What is Google I/O? Google I/O is the search giant’s yearly developer conference. It’s where developers get updated on the latest technology to improve their apps and other services for the Google ecosystem. It’s also one of the main events for new Google announcements.
• When is Google I/O 2025? The 2025 event takes place on May 20-21.
• Where will Google I/O 2025 be held? Google traditionally holds I/O at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California. The company typically invites select members of the media and the development community to attend the event in person. Otherwise, everyone else can usually tune in online via the Google I/O website and Google’s YouTube channel.

What should we expect at Google I/O 2025?

Google usually offers a variety of announcements at the event. This includes news related to AI, Android, Google TV, Wear OS, Android Auto, and more.

• Android 16
• Android XR
• More AI features
• Wear OS 6
• Google TV and Android TV
• Other things
• Will we see the Pixel 9a?

Android 16

Google has accelerated its Android rollout schedule with Android 16, publicly confirming that the new phone software will be released in Q2 instead of its typical Q3/Q4 time frame. This timing suggests Google could release the stable version of Android 16 at its I/O event or offer a final look before launching a few weeks later. After all, there’s at least one rumor of an early June launch.

We already have a good idea of what to expect from Android 16. Some of the most notable features and tweaks include a Live Activities-style notification feature, a more robust photo picker (including support for cloud providers), and upgraded predictive back functionality.

Android XR

We’re fully expecting Google to reveal more details about its new Android XR platform for headsets and smart glasses. The company already gave us a preview of the user interface and showed off Gemini’s ability to help you in the real world via its Project Astra tech.

It stands to reason that Google will expand on the Android XR UI, Gemini integration, and other software features at Google I/O 2025. However, we also hope to hear more about real-world products, third-party app support, and availability. Samsung also has its Project Moohan headset in the works, but I’m guessing we’ll see it launch at Samsung’s second Unpacked event of the year.

AI features, AI features everywhere

Hoping for a Google I/O without mention of AI features? Yeah, fat chance. The company is all but guaranteed to announce a variety of AI-related features across its products and services.

We’re expecting new features for Gemini, Circle to Search upgrades, and improved AI Overviews (a low bar, to be fair). Don’t be surprised if the company announces all-new AI-enabled services too.

For what it’s worth, Google made loads of announcements in this regard last year. These reveals included homework help via Circle to Search, expanded Circle to Search availability, Ask Photos functionality, the ability to ask Gemini questions about a PDF or video, Gemini Live, and much more.

Wear OS 6: Don’t expect a rollout

We doubt Wear OS 6 will be fully launched at I/O 2025 unless Google decides to bring its traditional launch window forward. We usually see new Wear OS software released in July, coinciding with Samsung’s Galaxy Watch refresh.

For what it’s worth, Google used last year’s event to announce the Wear OS 5 developer preview. So we could very well see the Wear OS 6 developer preview at this year’s event. In any case, we’ve got a pretty extensive Wear OS 6 wishlist.

What about Google TV and Android TV?

Google quietly announced Android 14 for Google TV and Android TV at I/O last year. We’d ordinarily expect a similar announcement for Android 15 this year, but there’s just one problem. We reported back in November that Google plans to move to a bi-yearly release schedule for Android TV/Google TV. That means the next release could be Android 16 in 2026.

Nevertheless, we hope to see more features being announced for current Android TV devices at Google I/O 2025. From the smart home and AI to the core media experience, there’s no shortage of areas for Google to improve. In fact, I’d like to see more improvements in storage management.

Plenty more to come

These are the biggest announcements and topics we expect from Google I/O 2025, but we’re expecting more news for the company’s other products and services. Brace for announcements regarding Google Maps, Android Auto, Google Wallet, Google Home, the firm’s Nest line of products, and more.

For reference, Google’s announcements at I/O 2024 included more Android Auto apps, Google Cast support in Android Auto, geospatial AR content in Maps, and support for text-only passes in Wallet.

Will we see the Google Pixel 9a?

Google previously launched the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7a at its I/O events, but the Pixel 8a bucked this trend by arriving a week before the conference. So all bets are off regarding the Pixel 9a‘s debut at I/O 2025.

In any event, rumors and leaks already paint a pretty clear picture of what to expect. The Pixel 9a is tipped to offer 8GB of RAM, 128GB/256GB of fixed storage, a more generic rear camera housing, a ~6.3-inch display, and a ~5,100mAh battery. The device is also said to pack a 48MP+13MP rear camera combo. Google’s phone is also said to offer a Tensor G4 chip, albeit with an older modem instead of the new Exynos 5400 modem seen in the Pixel 9 family.