Google I/O 2024 is happening today – here’s everything you can expect

Google I/O 2024 is happening today, and it’s a big deal.

While there will be an in-person event, only a handful are going to be invited out to California. But it’s easy to tune in live from home, wherever you are in the world.

Here’s everything you need to know about Google I/O 2024, including start time, what to expect and how to watch.

Alternatively, you can read our I/O coverage so far:

• Everything you need to know about Android 15
• The three Android 15 features that I can’t wait to try first
• Four critical Wear OS 5 reveals from Google I/O 2024

When is Google I/O 2024?

Google I/O 2024 will take place today, 14 May 2024.

The main keynote will begin at 10am PST in California, which translates to 1pm EST or 6pm BST (UK time).

If the past events is anything to go by, this one should last for around two hours.

How to watch Google I/O 2024

You can watch the keynote directly from the official Google’s YouTube channel, where it will be livestreamed for everyone.

But if you’d like a more hands-on experience, anyone can ‘join a community group’ at Google I/O by signing up on Google website. This allows you to directly interact with developers from around the world.

Learn more in our separate article on how to watch Google I/O live.

What to expect from Google I/O 2024

The Pixel 8a has already been announced, but we’re expecting lots of other exciting announcements at I/O this year.

Android 15

For starters, it’s pretty much sure that Android 15 will be a key topic of the event.

Due to replace Android 14, the software may reintroduce lock screen widgets, a feature previously seen between Android 4.2 and Android 5.

Considering the recent enhancement of StandBy Mode in iOS 17, this is rumoured lead to a similar feature for Android, giving access to information such as the time and calendar while docked.

Android 15 is also expected to debut Google’s Find My Device network, which looks set to rival Apple’s AirTags on Android phones.

Developer previews of Android 15 are already available, and a beta version should be released before Google I/O in May. Therefore, any discussion about it will likely focus on new features.

Pixel 9

We may hear more about the Pixel 9 series, even if they don’t officially launch until later in the year.

According to recent rumours, Google is to change the design of its phones as we know it this year. One of the biggest changes is expected to be the new oval design for the camera bar.

There might be also a new model in the form of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. This would be a larger version of the Pro model, likely as a response to the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Pixel Fold 2

Following the success of its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, Google may use Google I/O 2024 to reveal more about its successor, the Pixel Fold 2.

Given the increased competition in the foldable phone market, the Pixel Fold 2 would need significant improvements to stand out.

While the Pixel Fold featured a gap-less design, its large bezels were criticised. With the Pixel Fold 2, we hope for a sleeker design and enhanced user experiences.

Pixel Watch 3

We may see an update to Google’s Wear OS software for smartwatches, but new wearable hardware is also possible. If so, the most likely scenario is the Pixel Watch 3, but don’t rule out it being delayed until later in the year.

However, the previous two Pixel watches were unveiled at Google’s autumn hardware event, so we’ll probably have to wait longer this time too.

We’ll be covering the big news here on Tech Advisor, so check back for all the key details.