Google Shifts Android Updates to Separate Event, Signaling Increased AI Focus at I/O 2025

Google announces a special Android event ahead of I/O

Todd Haselton is a deputy editor with 18 years of experience writing and editing product reviews, gadgets and business news. Previously, he was a deputy editor covering technology companies at CNBC. Google just announced that it will host a separate event ahead of I/O to discuss updates coming to Android. The Android Show: I/O Edition will land on YouTube and the Android website on May 13th at 10AM PT / 1PM ET and will feature Android ecosystem president Sameer Samat. That's a full week ahead of Google I/O, which kicks off on May 20th. It's not terribly surprising, given that the company has spent less time talking about Android at I/O. And it's probably a big hint that we're going to hear a lot more about Gemini and Google's other AI efforts throughout the developer conference. Maybe we'll even get an update on its Project Astra. "We'll be sharing news now to get you ready for I/O where we'll have even more special announcements and surprises in store," Samat said. The company noted that Android will still have a presence at I/O in keynotes and developer technical sessions. While Android was once the highlight of Google I/O -- back when the company unveiled new statues for the new dessert flavor name picked for the next-generation of Android -- that's changed in the past few years. Last year, Google talked about redesigning Search around AI, and how Gemini would integrate across Android phones and services like Docs, Gmail, Calendar. And, yeah, Android was still discussed, but it wasn't the big topic we're used to. Google instead unveiled some of the new features in the Android 15 beta, like AI-powered scam call detection, Circle to Search, and Theft Detection Lock.

Android gets its own show as Google I/O leans harder into AI

Google is changing the format of its annual developer conference, Google I/O, by moving Android-related news to a separate virtual event called "The Android Show: I/O Edition," scheduled for May 13, ahead of the main conference on May 20-21. The decision suggests that this year's Google I/O could have an even greater focus on AI than in previous years, as AI updates have been taking up more time in the consumer and developer keynote addresses. Google claims the move is due to "so many new things to share" about Android, prompting the creation of a special event - an I/O edition of its Android Show video podcast. The company states that Android will still be featured in keynotes and technical sessions at I/O. The Android Show: I/O Edition will air virtually on May 13, providing the latest news and changes to the Android ecosystem. This change marks a notable shift in the programming of the developer conference.