What to Expect at Google I/O 2023

For the first time since 2019, Google will hold an in-person Google I/O developer conference at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View on May 10.

The company uses the show to demo and preview some of its most important work, such as Android and the Google Assistant, and details how developers can put Google’s resources to work in their own apps and products.

As it likes to do, Google released a “Save the date” puzzle(Opens in a new window) for developers, and internet sleuths quickly solved it to reveal the May 10 date. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai followed up with a video on Twitter(Opens in a new window) confirming that date, as did the Google Developers blog(Opens in a new window).

How to Watch Google I/O 2023

If you’re interested in watching the event, Google’s I/O website(Opens in a new window) is where you’ll need to go. You can register to attend the online event in advance, which will keep you informed about the schedule as the event nears. Google has also invited select developers and media to attend in person. In the past, Google has also posted important keynotes and announcements on its YouTube channel(Opens in a new window), so we’d expect the same this year if you prefer to watch on your own time.

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With two months before the conference kicks off, Google hasn’t revealed the final schedule of affairs, but we’ll keep this post updated as announcements are made.

It’s Pixel 7a Time

One possible hardware announcement at Google I/O 2023 is the Pixel 7a. We’ve heard rumblings from Android Authority(Opens in a new window) that Google may switch to an every-other-year release cadence for its more affordable a-series phones, but that isn’t supposed to start until 2024, so we should see the 7a at the 2023 event. Google announced the Pixel 6a at I/O 2022, so it would make sense for the next model to follow the same schedule.

Regarding the Pixel 7a itself, we believe the phone will carry over the price of the Pixel 6a, which launched at $450. Google kept the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro prices the same as the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro prices. It follows that the company might keep the same price point for the 7a. We can also expect the phone to launch during the summer. The 6a was announced at Google I/O in May 2022 and released in July.

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Computer renders of an alleged Pixel 7a have spread online. Unsurprisingly, it looks like the Pixel 7 with the extended camera bar dominating its rear facade. Another leak from WinFutrue(Opens in a new window) shows off the phon’s design and all but confirms the similarity between the Pixel 7a and other phones in the Pixel 7 line. According to noted phone tipster OnLeaks(Opens in a new window), the 7a will be 6.0 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches (HWD), similar to the Pixel 6a.

The phone is said to be powered by the Tensor G2 processor, which is the same chip found in the more expensive Pixel phones. In addition, a prominent rumor suggests the phone will feature a Samsung-designed 90Hz 1080p display, a nice upgrade over the 60Hz display of the Pixel 6a.

Chances of being there: High

Will the Pixel Fold Show Itself?

There’s a small chance the long-rumored Pixel Fold could serve as the main event for Google I/O. Samsung has a handle on the foldable space in the US market with its Galaxy Z Fold 4, so it would be appealing to have a significant competitor enter the game.

The Pixel Fold might be Google’s worst-kept secret. Reports of the device have been floating around for the last few years, so plenty of potential information exists. Most leaks suggest Google will call the phone the Pixel Fold or the Pixel Notepad, but that could change.

Like other foldable phones, we’re expecting a hefty price tag. The prevailing rumor(Opens in a new window) suggests it’ll go for $1,799, which aligns with Samsung’s high-end foldable phone price. CNBC, however, reported(Opens in a new window) that the price tag might be $1,700. Either way, we’re confident it’ll be somewhere in that range. Noted leaker Jon Prosser also reported(Opens in a new window) that it’ll officially release on June 27.

Folding phones are all about that large inner display, and the latest rumor(Opens in a new window) suggests that the phone will feature a 7.6(Opens in a new window)– to 7.69-inch foldable screen and a screen somewhere in the 5.79- to 5.8-inch range external display. Leaked renders also suggest a bulkier phone than Samsung’s folding device, but we’ll have to wait for an official announcement to know for sure. Another reputable leak from Front Page Tech(Opens in a new window) suggests the phone will have a more traditional 17.4:9 aspect ratio for the outside screen, which departs from Samsung’s longer and thinner outer display. It could have a 2,092-by-1,080-pixel external display and a 2,208-by 1,840-pixel internal screen.

That same YouTube video from Front Page Tech(Opens in a new window) and Jon Prosser says there will be two colors, Chalk and Obsidian. The video provides just about every detail of the phone, so if it is correct, we know everything now. For example, the video says it’ll have a Tensor G2 chip, a 48MP main camera, a 10.8MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10.8MP telephoto shooter with a 5X optical zoom. Finally, the leak says there will be an 8MP selfie camera inside.

Chances of being there: Medium

Pixel Tablet Could Show Up, Too

We’re confident that Google will reveal its Pixel tablet in full at the event. Google itself already provided a good look at the device in a preview during the Pixel 7 launch event last October. The company’s website(Opens in a new window) says it will bring “the best of Android and Pixel together in a tablet,” and notes that it’s “Coming in 2023.”

(Credit: Google)

It’s an exciting device that could boost the appeal and power of Android tablets, but time will tell. It could even serve as a smart display when not in use as a tablet, which sounds useful.

Chances of being there: Very High

What’s New in Android 14

Google has already released two Android 14 developer previews, so we’re fairly well-informed about what the latest version of Android will have to offer. Still, we expect Google to spend plenty of time detailing the future of Android at I/O, with a full rundown of all the fresh features and tools.

For example, the company intends to improve the Android experience on large tablets and foldable devices. It mentions that “starting in Android 14, users will be able to scale up their font to 200%. Previously, the maximum font size scale on Pixel devices was 130%.” This will help with reading.

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Android 14 is also slated to add new language options and background-process improvements to upgrade battery life and system responsiveness. The new operating system will likely be the centerpiece of the keynote address on May 10.

Chances of being there: Certain

Tons of AI

We know that Google will focus on AI at I/O. In the Google Developers Blog post, the company cites AI as one of the topics on deck. “You’ll also get to hear about ways to use the latest in technology, from AI and cloud, to mobile and web,” reads the post.

(Credit: Google)

While we don’t know precisely what AI developments Google will reveal, we’re confident that we’ll see an update to Bard, Google’s low-key answer to the wildly popular ChatGPT. We may also see AI products that are further out from reaching users.

Chances of being there: Certain

I/O Will Be Here Soon

Expect lots of exciting news, both for hardware and software, on May 10. PCMag will be there to bring you all the news.