Google IO kicks off soon and we’re expecting to see exciting new hardware and software, including Android 12.
Google’s annual software-focused event is fast approaching, with Google IO 2021 kicking off on May 18. The event this year is online-only, for obvious reasons, but that doesn’t mean it will be short of big announcements. Not much has been confirmed so far, but through a combination of leaks, rumors, the event schedule and past form, we have a good idea of what to expect. Below, then, you’ll find an overview of the biggest things we’re likely to see at Google IO 2021, then further down we’ve listed two big things that you’ll probably be waiting longer for. Android 12 is undoubtedly going to make an appearance at Google IO. In fact, it’s likely to be the star of the show. This won’t actually be our first look at Android 12, as it’s already available to developers in preview form. But based on past form (and an official roadmap) it’s likely that Google will reveal more details about it and even release the first public beta. So you’ll be able to try it for yourself if you have a compatible phone – which likely means the Google Pixel 5 or another recent Pixel model, along perhaps with a few other lucky handsets. This isn’t when Android 12 will launch in finished form though – that probably won’t happen until September. As for what Android 12 is set to offer, based on the developer betas and various leaks we know to expect a redesigned quick settings menu, an app hibernation feature, a recycle bin, the ability to easily share Wi-Fi passwords, tweaks to the appearance of various screens, an improved one-handed mode, and all sorts of other stuff. While Google IO tends to be focused on software, it’s not unusual to also see hardware at the event, and this year that hardware is likely to include the Google Pixel 5a. The Pixel 3a was announced at Google IO in 2019, so there’s precedent for this, and had the pandemic not scuppered Google IO 2020 we’d likely have seen the Pixel 4a there – though instead it got a later August launch.
