Google I/O 2025 Preview: What AI Search Announcements to Expect

Google I/O 2025 is scheduled for May 20-21, and if last year’s event was any indication, search is going to be the headline story. Google I/O 2024 gave us the full rollout of AI Overviews, Gemini integration across the entire Google ecosystem, and a clear signal that traditional search results are getting pushed further down the page.

So what should small business owners be watching for this year? Let’s break down the most likely announcements and what they could mean for your SEO and GEO strategies.

AI Overviews Will Get Bigger (and Harder to Avoid)

Google has been expanding AI Overviews steadily since their launch. As of early 2025, they appear for roughly 30-35% of all queries. Expect Google to announce an expansion to 50% or more at I/O, along with new formats like multi-step AI answers for complex queries.

What this means for you: if you have not started optimizing for AI Overviews, the clock is ticking. We covered the basics in our post on Google’s AI Overviews and what they mean for small business search.

Gemini Will Likely Become the Default Search Experience

Google has been testing “AI Mode” as an opt-in feature in search. The smart money says I/O 2025 is where they announce Gemini-powered search as the default experience for at least some user segments. This would be the biggest shift in Google search since the introduction of featured snippets.

We have been tracking early tests of this feature in our post on Google’s AI Mode in search.

Local Search Gets an AI Makeover

One of the most under-reported trends is how AI is changing local search results. Expect Google to announce AI-powered local recommendations that go beyond the traditional Map Pack. Think conversational local search: “Find me a plumber who can come today and has good reviews for water heater repair.”

This is huge for local businesses. The businesses that show up in these AI-powered local results will be the ones with rich, structured data, detailed service descriptions, and strong review profiles. If you have not optimized your Google Business Profile yet, now is the time.

Google Shopping and AI Search Merge

Google has been quietly integrating AI into its shopping experience. At I/O 2025, expect a full announcement of AI-powered shopping search that blends product recommendations with conversational AI. For e-commerce businesses, this could be a game-changer.

New Developer Tools for Structured Data

Google loves using I/O to announce developer tools, and structured data is ripe for an upgrade. Expect new schema types, better documentation, and possibly AI-assisted markup tools that make it easier for non-technical business owners to add structured data to their sites.

We have covered why structured data matters in our schema markup guide. Any new tools from Google will make implementation even easier.

The “Search Generative Experience” Brand May Disappear

Google has been moving away from the SGE branding and toward simply calling everything “AI Overviews” or “AI Mode.” I/O 2025 might be where they formally retire the SGE name and consolidate everything under the Gemini brand. This is mostly a naming thing, but it signals that AI search is no longer experimental. It is just search.

What to Watch For (and What to Ignore)

Watch closely:

• Any changes to how AI Overviews cite sources (this directly affects your traffic)
• Local search AI features (critical for service businesses)
• New structured data opportunities
• Changes to Search Console reporting for AI features

Safe to ignore:

• Flashy demo videos that show ideal scenarios
• Features announced as “coming later this year” with no timeline
• Consumer-facing features that do not affect search visibility

How to Prepare Right Now

You do not need to wait for I/O to start preparing. Here is your pre-I/O checklist:

1. Audit your content structure. Make sure your key pages have clear headers, FAQ sections, and direct answers to common questions.
2. Update your Google Business Profile. Complete every field. Add fresh photos. Respond to recent reviews.
3. Check your schema markup. Ensure your business information is properly structured for search engines.
4. Review your content strategy. Are you creating content that answers questions, or just content that targets keywords? AI search rewards the former.

For a complete audit walkthrough, check our guide on how to audit your website SEO in under an hour.

The Big Picture

Google I/O 2025 is going to accelerate the shift toward AI-first search. For small businesses, this is not something to fear. It is something to prepare for. The businesses that adapt early will gain a significant competitive advantage.

We will be covering every announcement live and publishing a full recap after the event. In the meantime, if you want help preparing your business for the AI search era, reach out to our team. Let’s make sure you are ready for whatever Google announces.