Google I/O 2025: Everything You Need to Know From The First Android Show
Google’s Android Show sets the stage for I/O 2025 with previews of Android 16, Wear OS 6, and more.
At Google’s first-ever Android Show held Tuesday, a week before the official I/O 2025 keynote, we got a clearer look at what’s coming next for the Android ecosystem. If you’ve been keeping up with the earlier hints and previews, then much of what was revealed may feel familiar.
The spotlight was firmly on Android 16, and surprisingly, Gemini shared the stage a bit too. While some anticipated features, like the Android XR platform, got little to no mention, Google made sure to focus on areas where users will clearly see and probably feel.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest updates.
Louis Eriakha
Android 16 Introduces Material 3 Expressive Design
One of the most noticeable changes coming with Android 16 is a visual overhaul powered by Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design system. It builds on the foundation of Material You but leans further into customisation, motion, and accessibility.
The changes show up in everyday interactions. Dismissing a notification triggers a ripple-like bounce. Scrolling, swiping, and adjusting settings feel more responsive, with haptic feedback layered in. The idea is to make the UI feel less static and more intuitive, though how much of that comes through will likely depend on whether app developers adopt the new design patterns.
Google’s apps, like Gmail and Photos, are already using the updated visuals. It’s a noticeable refresh, but not a radical one. If you’re on a Pixel, you’ll probably see these changes first later this year.
Video Credit: Google
More Controls Over Privacy and Security
On the security front, Android 16 brings a few updates aimed at addressing everyday threats. Scam Detection in Google Messages is also getting an upgrade. It now flags more types of suspicious texts, including ones related to crypto schemes and fake toll charges. It’s still AI-based, but trained on newer patterns.
There’s also a new Advanced Protection mode that turns on Google’s stricter security settings with a single switch. These were previously limited to higher-risk users but will now be more broadly available. And as a smaller but useful tweak, Android 16 blocks certain accessibility permissions during calls with unknown contacts, a move aimed at stopping scams that rely on social engineering.
Wear OS 6 Brings Design and Battery Improvements
Material 3 Expressive is also coming to smartwatches via Wear OS 6, though in a more subtle form. The updates here focus on animation, colour theming, and usability on small screens. Lists and glances animate more smoothly, and interface elements stretch to fit circular displays more naturally.
Battery life gets a modest bump too, up to 10% longer, according to Google, thanks to continued optimisation under the hood. Whether that translates to noticeable gains will likely depend on the watch model and usage.
Gemini Is Coming to More of Your Devices—and Your Car
One of the standout reveals from the event was the expanded rollout of Gemini, Google’s next-gen AI assistant. No longer limited to smartphones, Gemini is moving into smartwatches, TVs, cars, and even XR (extended reality) devices.
On Wear OS smartwatches, Gemini will streamline voice-based interactions, letting users manage messages, reminders, and other tasks without touching the screen. Inside cars equipped with Android Auto, Gemini will serve as a conversational co-pilot, helping with directions, suggesting stops, and summarising messages while you drive.
For Google TV, Gemini will make content discovery smarter, offering tailored recommendations, like kid-friendly movies or educational videos, based on natural questions. And in XR headsets, Gemini will support interactive planning and exploration, acting like a real-time guide in both digital and physical spaces.
Find Hub: Smarter Tracking for People and Things
Another big announcement and upgrade was Find Hub, which used to be Find My Device. But this isn’t just a rebrand; it’s a serious expansion of what device tracking can do.
Find Hub goes beyond locating your phone or earbuds. It now includes the ability to track friends and family and supports third-party accessories like tracker tags from Chipolo and Pebblebee. That means you’ll be able to keep tabs on everything from your keys to your luggage, even if it’s not a Google-branded device.
Google also announced that Find Hub will soon support satellite connectivity and ultra-wideband technology, enabling incredibly precise location tracking even in remote areas. Plus, integration with airline tracking is on the way, helping you follow your checked baggage from gate to gate.
Conclusion
The Android Show offered a look at what’s coming next—and while not everything got screen time, what did was practical and clearly focused. Android 16 isn’t a dramatic overhaul, but it brings a sharper design, improved security, and smarter tools across devices. Gemini is expanding into more corners of the ecosystem, from watches to cars and even XR. And with updates like Find Hub, the emphasis seems to be on making Android more responsive, more secure, and more useful in everyday scenarios.
