Google's I/O conference is just around the corner, and the company has already started revealing a slew of AI-powered features coming to Android in 2026. Under the banner of Gemini Intelligence, smartphones will gain deeper automation, smarter voice input, and redesigned interfaces that learn and adapt to user behavior. The changes are set to roll out over the coming months, with some features tied to the Android 17 update and others arriving through Play Services and app updates.
App Automation Expands with Gemini
One of the most anticipated additions is the expansion of app automation. Google began testing automation for apps like DoorDash and Uber on Pixel and Samsung devices earlier in 2026, but the initial experience was frustratingly buggy. After months of fine-tuning, the company claims the system is now ready for broader use. The new automations can handle complex multi-step tasks across different apps – for example, scanning a course syllabus from Gmail, then hopping to a shopping app to add required textbooks to your cart. Or taking a photo of a travel brochure and telling Gemini to book a similar trip through Expedia. While these automations are currently limited to select apps in categories like food delivery, grocery ordering, and ride-hailing, Google hints that more categories will follow. For tasks outside these apps, Chrome's Auto Browse feature steps in.
Auto Browse Comes to Android
Auto Browse, which debuted in desktop Chrome several months ago, is landing on Android in late June for all devices running Android 12 or higher. Powered by cloud-based Gemini models, this feature can parse webpages and handle multi-step tasks on your behalf. Users can either watch the AI navigate in real time or let it run in the background, only interrupting when sensitive actions require authorization. During our testing of the desktop version, speed and accuracy were inconsistent, but Google says mobile-optimized pages may offer a smoother experience. Auto Browse is designed to handle form filling, checkout processes, and other web-based chores, potentially saving users significant time.
AI-Upgraded Autofill
Android's Autofill system is also getting an AI infusion. The new Autofill with Google will connect to Gemini's Personal Intelligence, enabling it to populate not just standard fields like name and address, but also less common data such as your car's license plate number. The feature is opt-in, so users who prefer the traditional autofill behavior can stick with it. This move is part of Google's broader effort to make everyday smartphone interactions more seamless and context-aware.
AI-Generated Widgets: Create My Widget
Another headline feature is the ability to create custom widgets using AI. Dubbed "Create My Widget," this tool allows users to generate widgets that display data from their accounts or the web. For instance, you could ask for a widget that suggests meal plans on a schedule, sets a countdown to an important event, or shows a specific weather metric combined with a timer. Android will offer suggested templates, but users can also enter a natural language prompt to describe exactly what they want. All generated widgets follow Material 3 theming and are fully resizable. While not revolutionary, the feature reduces the friction of building informative home screens.
Rambler: AI-Powered Voice Input
Voice input receives a major upgrade with a feature called Rambler, integrated into Gboard. Rambler takes the concept of AI text polish and applies it to speech. Instead of carefully composing a sentence, users can simply start talking – rambling naturally, with all the "ums," "uhs," and false starts – and the AI will distill the essence into a coherent, concise message. Google claims Rambler understands context and nuance, so the final output still sounds like you. There's a prominent indicator when Rambler is active, and the company promises that no audio or text is retained after processing. This could be a game-changer for hands-free messaging and note-taking.
Android Auto Gets a Modern Makeover
Android Auto is receiving its most significant update in years. The interface now adapts to any screen shape or size, including odd polygon displays in some vehicles. A new Material 3 Expressive theme refreshes the look, and Immersive Navigation – announced earlier this year – finally rolls out to users. Widgets for contacts, weather, and select third-party apps will provide at-a-glance information without deep navigation. For cars with Google built in, the vehicle's cameras integrate with Maps for more accurate lane guidance. Gemini can also answer questions about the vehicle's status, such as warning lights and cargo capacity. Media apps like YouTube Music and Spotify get redesigns tailored for driving, and for the first time, video playback (e.g., YouTube) is supported – but only when the car is parked. When driving begins, audio automatically takes over, though this feature requires automaker support. Initially, video will be available only in vehicles from BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Škoda, Tata, and Volvo, with more brands expected later.
Android 17: Under the Hood Changes
While most of the new AI features arrive via Play Services, Android 17 itself brings several enhancements. Camera improvements for flagship devices include better video quality in social media apps like Instagram, native Ultra HDR support, stabilization in the Instagram Edits app, and "screen reaction" overlays in video. Security upgrades require both PIN and biometric unlock to access a lost device, disable quick settings, and block new Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connections. A new location access option lets users grant precise location only for the current app session, with a dedicated indicator appearing when location is accessed. Digital Wellbeing gains "Pause Point," a 10-second cooldown timer for apps labeled as distracting. Finally, Google has redesigned its emoji – a more detailed 3D look – but these will first appear on Pixel devices, with other Android 17 phones getting them later. Most manufacturers use their own emoji sets, so the new designs may only appear in Google apps like YouTube and Gmail.
This massive AI overhaul underscores Google's commitment to making Android smarter without waiting for full OS updates. By leveraging Play Services, app updates, and device partnerships, the company can deliver cutting-edge features to a wide range of devices quickly. Users should start seeing these changes roll out over the next few months, with more details expected at Google I/O.
Source: Ars Technica News