This is where the company is expected to make some of its most defining announcements in years.

But unlike previous years, when upgrades felt incremental, this year’s event is expected to introduce more foundational changes.

Three things are expected to steal the spotlight at the event:

• Gemini 3
• Android 17
• Smart Glasses

Gemini 3: From Chatbot to Proactive AI Agent

The launch of Gemini 3 is expected to mark a decisive shift beyond conversational AI into what can best be described as “agentic computing”.

This means that instead of waiting for prompts, Gemini 3 will be able to initiate actions on its own. While this may sound technical, it is the culmination of Google’s efforts to make its AI systems more automated while still remaining user-friendly.

Think of automatically organising expense reports from emails, rescheduling meetings based on traffic conditions, or compiling research summaries across multiple tabs without direct instruction. This means less interaction and more delegation.

Another technical change expected alongside Gemini 3 is expanded on-device processing. With NPUs improving, Gemini 3 is expected to handle more tasks locally, and the advantages are commendable.

Users could get faster responses, reduced dependence on internet connectivity, and improved privacy, especially in bandwidth-constrained environments like Nigeria.

Android 17: Features and Compatibility

When Google launched Android 16, the focus was mainly on performance improvements. This time, Android 17 is expected to redefine user interaction.

According to rumours, Android 17 is reportedly built on a “refined by default” approach, where the design is more effortless and polished.

The update is also expected to follow an intelligence-first interface, where the operating system anticipates user behaviour, suggests actions, and even adjusts system settings before users manually intervene.

Connectivity is also expected to take a step forward. Android 17 may expand satellite communication support beyond emergency use into limited everyday messaging. Combined with existing 5G support, this could improve connectivity resilience in regions still struggling with inconsistent network infrastructure.

On security, Google will most likely respond to growing concerns around AI misuse with new Android 17 features. These may include:

• Advanced biometric data isolation
• System-level labelling for AI-generated content
• Expanded app permission transparency

Hardware: The Return of Google Smart Glasses

For smart glasses enthusiasts, this could be the most intriguing part of Google I/O 2026. This time, Google’s return to smart glasses is expected to take a more practical approach and will likely be deeply integrated with Gemini 3.

Built around the rumoured Project Iris, the anticipated release is expected to introduce lightweight wearable AR glasses designed for everyday use rather than niche applications.

Key use cases are expected to include:

• Navigation overlays directly in the user’s field of view
• Live translation, especially useful in multilingual situations
• Improved visual search powered by an always-on version of Google Lens

The upcoming Google I/O event is also expected to feature other strategic announcements, which could include improvements to Tensor chips, possibly the G5 or G6, as well as updates on the next Pixel series.

With the hype around I/O reaching its peak, the event won’t just be about a standalone product launch, but an ecosystem realignment.

For the average user, the impact may not be immediately visible, but by late 2026, these changes could significantly alter how Android devices are used, at least for users eligible for the updates.

WhatsApp has confirmed September 8, 2026, as the deadline after which the platform will no longer function on any device still operating on Android 5.0 or 5.1.

Devices that cannot be upgraded to at least Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) will lose access to the app.

For over ten years, Android 5.0 “Lollipop” has powered many budget and legacy devices, including Samsung’s S4 and S5 series, which have kept millions of Nigerians connected. However, that era is now coming to an end.

This shift reflects the rapid pace of change in the software ecosystem. As the Google I/O 2026 event approaches next month, the industry is already looking towards Android 17.

Main Reasons Behind the Cutoff

Messaging in 2026 is no longer limited to basic texting. It now includes artificial intelligence features, more advanced user interfaces, and stronger encryption.

Major tech companies are also pushing for tighter ecosystem integration, as seen in Samsung’s decision to discontinue its native Samsung Messages app.

Maintaining a secure and stable experience on a 12-year-old operating system places increasing demands on Meta as it continues to introduce new features to WhatsApp.

Some upcoming features, such as improved notification handling and interface updates, require more modern software and hardware to function effectively.

However, iPhone users are not affected by this change for now. WhatsApp’s requirement for iOS remains at version 15.1 or newer, meaning there is no immediate cutoff tied to the September deadline.

New Android Features and UI Changes on the Way

While the cutoff may be disappointing, especially for users in Nigeria who still rely on older Android phones due to financial constraints, new developments in the Android ecosystem are on the horizon.

Recent leaks ahead of Google I/O suggest a major UI overhaul across Android and Google apps, with a growing focus on AI-driven features. WhatsApp and other popular apps are expected to align with these changes.

Conclusion

Due to Nigeria’s “hand-me-down” device culture, higher-end phones from 2014 or 2015 often find a second or third life as affordable options for students, traders, and rural users.

Many of these users rely on WhatsApp for daily communication and transactions, meaning a forced upgrade could pose a financial challenge.

Users who may be affected are advised to check their Android version ahead of the deadline. If their device cannot be upgraded, they may need to consider switching to a newer smartphone. Backing up chats to Google Drive is also recommended to avoid losing important conversation history.

Under the spotlight at this year’s “Android Show: I/O Edition” were improvements that moved beyond aesthetics, going deep into personalisation, security, device intelligence, and cross-platform integration. 

Android, which powers over three billion devices globally, is entering a more personal, more proactive, and much harder to compromise phase.

Android and Wear OS Now Let You Design the Experience Your Way

Tired of a generic phone look? Android 16 and Wear OS 6 introduce Material 3 Expressive, a significant design makeover. It’s about making your devices truly personal and easier to use. Imagine animations reacting to your touch, like icons subtly shifting when you dismiss a message, making interactions feel alive. Born from research with over 18,000 users, the result is beautiful, enjoyable interfaces.

Customise phone colours and quick settings – place your flashlight for easy access. On smartwatches, the design wraps smoothly around round screens, and your watch face theme will colour the entire system. For users in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, where personal expression is key, this means technology that truly reflects you.

• Availability: Coming to Android 16 and Wear OS 6. Pixel devices first later this year, then other manufacturers.

Driving: Android Auto Gets Smarter with Gemini Becoming Your Co-pilot

Remember when your car was just for driving? Now, with Gemini, Google’s smart AI assistant, coming to your car, every journey becomes more productive and enjoyable. Whether you use Android Auto with your phone or have a car with Google built-in, Gemini is designed to be your ultimate co-pilot.

Imagine talking naturally to your car, without needing to remember specific commands. You can ask Gemini to find the best local food along your route and even get summaries of reviews.

If you’re messaging a friend who prefers a different language, Gemini can remember to always translate your messages for them. It can even help you find the location of your child’s soccer game that got buried in your email!

But Gemini isn’t just for navigation. On longer drives, you can ask it to summarise the news, or give you a quick rundown of a book for your book club. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend riding shotgun, ready to help with anything from finding a charging station near a park to helping you prepare for a big meeting.

This smart integration means less distraction and more convenience, making your time on the road in Nairobi, Johannesburg, or Lagos more efficient and fun.

• Availability: Android Auto in coming months; Google Built-in later this year (new Lincoln Nautilus, Renault R5, Honda Passport).

Your Watch, TV, and Even Smart Glasses Now Think Like Your Phone

Gemini’s intelligence is expanding beyond your phone to your Wear OS smartwatch, TV, and future Android XR smart glasses. On your Wear OS watch, get help hands-free: set gym locker reminders while baking or find restaurant details from an email. Google TV will get Gemini later this year for movie recommendations or educational content for kids.

Future Android XR headsets (starting with Samsung) will use Gemini for immersive experiences like vacation planning. Expect personalised, proactive help for a seamless, intelligent experience across your Android devices. Gemini Live’s camera and screen sharing capabilities are available now for Android users (no Advanced subscription required).

• Availability: Wear OS in coming months. Google TV later this year. Android XR with Samsung’s first headset later this year.

Find Hub: Smarter Tracking for Everything and Everyone

Android’s “Find My Device” is evolving into Find Hub, a central spot to locate tagged items and track friends and family (with permission). Easily track luggage, keys, or confirm a loved one’s safe arrival from one app. Find Hub supports more devices and Bluetooth tags (July, Mokobara, Pixbee). Ultra-wideband (UWB) tech (first on moto tag) offers precise tracking down to a few feet.

Later this year, satellite connectivity arrives for supported devices, enabling tracking without mobile coverage – ideal for adventures. Airline partnerships (e.g., British Airways, Singapore Airlines) will help locate luggage by sharing tag locations. For those in Africa facing varied network coverage or frequent travel, Find Hub is a powerful tool.

• Availability: Rolling out with new compatible devices/tags later this month (UWB on moto tag). Satellite connectivity later this year. Airline partnerships early next year.

Crystal Clear Communication: RCS Messaging Soars

Android has championed RCS (Rich Communication Services) for simple, reliable, feature-rich messaging, regardless of phone type. Success is clear: over a billion daily RCS messages in the U.S. alone enable high-quality photo/video sharing and improved group chats. RCS offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, and large file sharing directly in your standard messaging app for seamless communication.

• Availability: Globally available within Google Messages.

Enhanced App Security Through Smarter Scanning

Google Play Protect is tightening the screws on malicious apps. The built-in Android security system now leverages real-time threat detection using local device scanning rules.

A growing issue has been malicious apps hiding their icons or switching them after installation to avoid detection. Live threat detection will now expose these apps before they can cause harm.

Google says, “We’re expanding Play Protect to conduct real-time scans using on-device machine learning to detect emerging threats. This means safer apps—before you even install them.”

Every app, no matter where it’s downloaded from, will be scanned. If the system picks up suspicious behaviour, like unusual permission requests or data exfiltration patterns, it can block installation or alert users before damage is done.

Live threat detection, including hidden icon detection, will begin rolling out on Pixel 6 and newer, as well as selected devices from other manufacturers in the coming months.

Improved Theft Protection That Actually Works

Android is taking theft protection seriously. Building on its existing security layers, Android 16 introduces more stringent Factory Reset protections. Now, if a phone is stolen and someone attempts to wipe it, core functionalities remain locked unless the original owner confirms the action.

Additionally, Remote Lock is getting more secure with a new identity check step. A security question will be introduced, giving users more control over unauthorised access attempts.

But there’s a more specific threat being addressed. Thieves often aim to access one-time passwords (OTPs) from the lock screen to break into banking or messaging apps. Android 16 adds a high-risk protection feature.

If the phone hasn’t been recently unlocked and is offline, OTPs will no longer display on the lock screen. You’ll only see them after unlocking the device.

These changes point to a more aggressive stance by Google in protecting personal data. Identity Check, already available on Pixel and Samsung One UI 7 devices, will expand to more Android 16 devices across different brands.

Availability Timeline Recap:

• Material 3 Expressive: Android 16 and Wear OS 6, starting with Pixel phones later this year.
• Gemini for Android Auto: Coming in months; Google built-in cars later this year.
• Gemini on Wear OS, Google TV, Android XR: Rolling out over the next few months; XR with Samsung’s headset later in the year.
• Find Hub + UWB + Satellite Tracking: Moto tag and new Bluetooth tags later this month; satellite tracking later this year; airline support early next year.
• RCS Messaging: Now available worldwide via Google Messages.
• Google Play Protect Upgrades: Available globally now; live threat detection for Pixel 6+ and select OEMs coming soon.
• Theft Protection Enhancements: Rolling out with Android 16 later this year.