Google I/O to Take Place in May, Will Once Again Be Online

Google today announced that its annual Google I/O developers conference is set to take place on Wednesday, May 11, and Thursday, May 12, about a month ahead of when we're expecting Apple to hold the annual Worldwide Developers Conference.

Google Logo Feature Slack
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai shared the news this afternoon, and he said the event will be "live from Shoreline Amphitheatre," with the content available online. The wording of his tweet was confusing, but Google has clarified that this will be an online-only event as it has been for the past two years.


A "limited audience" will be at the event, but that will consist of Googlers, with press and other attendees expected to tune in online.


With COVID cases dropping in California and mask mandates lifting, it's possible Google could have chosen to invite some people to attend in person, but the company has opted not to do so, perhaps because Google I/O typically sees attendees from around the globe.

Google's decision to hold an online-only event may give us some insight into Apple's plans. Apple has not announced the dates for the Worldwide Developers Conference, nor has the company said whether this year's event will have an in-person element. Apple has been cautious throughout the global health crisis, so with Google going online only for I/O, we are likely to see Apple opt for an online event as well.

Apple last year announced the dates for the 2021 Worldwide Developers Conference on March 30, so we may not have too long to wait to find out what Apple has in store for WWDC 2022.

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Top Rated Comments

Kierkegaarden Avatar
35 months ago

I’m pretty dubious about them going back to live events… ever? The streaming ones give them so much more control over making everything go perfect and I think they’ll have a hard time letting go of that.
The digital events are definitely more polished, but they miss the energy that comes from the audience reaction. Can you imagine the difference if the iPhone was first announced in a digital event vs a live event?
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
goobot Avatar
35 months ago

The digital events are so much better than the live ones, I hope they don’t ever go back now.

The quality and transitions are better, and it seems strange if they really did go back to live events.
I like live events better. Hearing the unbiased grumbling over the 1000$ stand was worth it.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Kierkegaarden Avatar
35 months ago
WWDC will most likely be digital as well. But I think (hope) the live events return in the fall!
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
35 months ago
Sundar needs to deliver a product that can execute against the Galaxy and iPhone, and the Pixel seems to be falling behind relevant features to the competition.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
RalfTheDog Avatar
35 months ago
The sad fact is, the numbers are going back up. If it is a sharp spike, it may be over by then. If not, it could be hitting peak about that time. Why take the risk?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarlJ Avatar
35 months ago

WWDC will most likely be digital as well. But I think (hope) the live events return in the fall!
I’m pretty dubious about them going back to live events… ever? The streaming ones give them so much more control over making everything go perfect and I think they’ll have a hard time letting go of that.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)