Expectations are sky-high for what could be one of Google’s most ambitious events in years. From major Gemini upgrades and the possible debut of Aluminium OS to Android 17’s next-gen features and new Android XR hardware, Google appears ready to push deeper into AI, cross-device experiences, and entirely new form factors. Here’s what we’re expecting to see this year.
What to Expect from Google I/O 2026: Gemini upgrades, Android features, Aluminium OS, and more… It was originally expected to be released with Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset as another option with a built-in display, but was seemingly dropped before launch. It’s likely Samsung chose to push the XR glasses further while the technology gets refined. …
… The company has already been laying the groundwork for its new XR glasses through partnerships with Samsung, XREAL, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster, all of whom are expected to bring Android XR-powered wearables to market. …
… It features custom AR‑grade drivers and a dedicated acoustic chamber to push high-quality sound with deeper lows, balanced mids, and clear highs. XReal 1S offers support for all USB-C DP devices, such as the latest smartphones and even handhelds like the Steam Deck. …
… Google has also brought in senior robotics leadership to push AI into physical systems. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News , or add us as a preferred source , to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. TOPICS Etiido Uko News Contributor
… From major Gemini upgrades and the possible debut of Aluminium OS to Android 17’s next-gen features and new Android XR hardware, Google appears ready to push deeper into AI, cross-device experiences, and entirely new form factors. …
… NFC with reader mode is included, and for the first time, the iPhone XR includes a background tag feature that allows them to scan NFC tags without the need to open an app first. iPhone XR Timeline November 2021 Nov 1 Apple to Start Offering iPhone XR as Loaner Device During Lengthier Repairs Septe…
… Samsung's own Galaxy XR headset runs on the Android XR platform and is already available to purchase. …
… And I've barely heard a mention of Samsung's Galaxy XR headset—allegedly the flagship launch device for Android XR—since it arrived six months ago. …
… Watch this: Google I/O 2026: New Gemini, Smart Glasses and a Whole New Laptop OS. Here's What to Expect 06:44 What will Google add to the smart glasses market? Google is expected to debut its AI-powered Android XR smart glasses, rivaling Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses . …
… Stay tuned… More from Google I/O 2026: Everything Google announced at I/O 2026: Gemini, Search, Android XR, & more XREAL’s Android XR glasses will launch before the end of 2026, early access for devs Google gets ‘intelligent’ Search box redesign, information agents, mini apps, & more Follow Ben: Tw… …