What to Anticipate at Google I/O 2025: News on Gemini, Gmail, and Project Astra


📅 Updated: May 19, 2025, 1:36 p.m. EDT
This article features new insights from “The Android Show,” Google’s event centered on Android that took place on May 13.

As Google I/O 2025 approaches, the focus is sharply on Gemini. Google’s next-generation AI is in the spotlight, so much so that Android received its own dedicated attention last week during a mini-event called “The Android Show.”

What can we anticipate at I/O 2025? Quite a bit — primarily around AI.

Leading up to the main event, Google unveiled a developer preview of Gemini 2.5 Pro, the latest version of its generative AI model. In other words, the keynote this year is expected to lean more toward algorithms, code, and the future of AI rather than new flagship devices.

For developers, Android lovers, or the simply curious, here’s a glimpse of what lies ahead.

🕙 When is the Google I/O 2025 keynote?

The primary keynote begins on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT. Here’s how that converts to other time zones:

– New York: 1 p.m.
– Chicago: 12 p.m.
– London: 6 p.m.
– Paris: 7 p.m.
– Dubai: 9 p.m.
– Mumbai: 11:30 p.m.
– Honolulu: 7 a.m.

🔍 What to Expect at Google I/O 2025

Agentic AI
Gemini is set to introduce new “agentic” capabilities — AI tools designed for greater autonomy. In this arena, Google is expected to align itself with moves already made by Microsoft and OpenAI.

AI Mode
Google is trialing a novel “AI Mode” in Search, replacing conventional blue links with direct responses from Gemini. This feature is currently being rolled out to select users, and its official debut could happen at I/O — indicating a significant transformation in online search.

Android 16
Android 16 was showcased during “The Android Show,” unveiling a striking new design ethos: Material 3 Expressive. This enhancement promises more animated visuals, rounded elements, and dynamic animations — a shift from the minimalist style of Material 3.

Notable Android 16 updates include:

– A newly redesigned Find My Device app, now known as “Find Hub,” capable of tracking individuals, items, and luggage.
– Auracast support for enhanced Bluetooth audio transitions.
– Summarized notifications and various quality-of-life upgrades.

The public beta is live, with hints of a full launch in Q2 — likely in June.

Wear OS
Wear OS 5.1 made its quiet debut in March, but Google surprised attendees by hinting at Wear OS 6 during The Android Show. Look forward to:

– A rejuvenated UI
– Features powered by Gemini
– Enhanced battery performance (up to 10% more)

Android XR
Google is re-entering the realm of immersive technology with Android XR — a new OS tailored for AR/VR devices, driven by Gemini. This follows the setbacks of products like Google Glass, Daydream, and Cardboard.

With Samsung now involved through Project Moohan (a new XR headset), Google may finally be poised to establish a sustained XR ecosystem. More information — and potentially fresh partners — could emerge at I/O.

Google Workspace
AI is also reshaping Google Workspace. Anticipate updates across Docs, Gmail, Sheets, and Slides powered by Gemini. Expect smarter writing aids, improved summaries, and predictive capabilities that enhance productivity almost magically.

Project Astra
Project Astra is DeepMind’s concept for a universal AI assistant. While still in research, we might catch a glimpse of it at I/O. Also on the horizon is a mobile iteration of NotebookLM, Google’s AI research assistant.

Project Moohan
This collaboration between Google and Samsung is speculated to yield Samsung’s first AR glasses, empowered by Gemini. Although I/O typically doesn’t focus heavily on hardware, we might see a teaser or update, especially after early insights presented at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked earlier this year.

AI Everywhere
To clarify, Google has firmly positioned itself as an AI-centric company. Expect Gemini to permeate every aspect of device usage — from smartphones to vehicles, smartwatches, earbuds, and perhaps even kitchen appliances.

With Gemini 2.5 Pro already leading AI performance rankings, Google is likely to demonstrate its integration across various platforms. Look for showcases of context-aware assistants, on-device AI models, and predictive user interfaces.

Regardless of whether you view it as exciting or daunting, one thing is clear: AI is taking center stage.

🎯 TL;DR: Google I/O 2025 is focused on Gemini AI, Android 16, Wear OS 6, and a strong emphasis on XR.