Google announced on March 3 it would be cancelling its in-person I/O developer event, but said it was going to “explore other ways” to hold the event, including an online version. But now that has been cancelled altogether, as the coronavirus outbreak worsens in the United States.
Google announced the following on Friday afternoon:
Out of concern for the health and safety of our developers, employees, and local communities — and in line with “shelter in place” requirements by the local Bay Area government — we sadly will not be holding an I/O event in any capacity this year.
Right now, the most important thing all of us can do is focus our attention on helping people with the new challenges we all face. We’ll continue to do everything we can to help our communities stay safe, informed, and connected.
Please know that we remain committed to sharing ongoing Android updates with you through our developer blogs and community forums.
While many speculated Apple would be cancelling its WWDC 2020 event, the company managed to flip expectations and announce an online-only version this year, set to take place in June. Apple’s developers are too important to cancel WWDC. The show must go on as software previews will lead into future product releases, such as expected iPhones coming this fall.
