Google has begun the official rollout of Android 17, starting with eligible Pixel devices. Other manufacturers are expected to bring the new version to their phones and tablets during 2026.
One of the biggest additions is Bubbles, a floating shortcuts system that lets users minimize apps into a bubble and keep them visible above other apps. On large-screen devices such as foldables and tablets, Google is adding a dedicated taskbar and a bottom dock for switching between windows, resizing apps and going full screen. Screen recording has also been upgraded with a new interface for recording and adding notes, while Screen Reactions can capture the display and selfie video at the same time for reaction clips made directly on the device. Foldable users are also getting a new gaming mode that places the game on the top half of the screen and a virtual touch controller below.
Android 17 also adds built-in support for remapping external controllers and memory-management improvements meant to reduce lag and performance drops. On security, users can give apps temporary access to precise location data and share selected contacts instead of their full address book. Find Hub is gaining a better lost-device mode, including remote locking with biometric authentication.
Alongside the operating system, Google is releasing its June update for Pixel devices. The update expands AI features, including Gemini Omni for creating video from text prompts and Lyria 3 for generating music from text instructions. Google Photos is getting broader conversational editing, Quick Share with AirDrop compatibility is expanding to Pixel 8a and Pixel 9a, Voice Translate is coming to Pixel 10a calls, Magic Cue is being extended to more messaging apps, and Take a Message is becoming available on most Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series onward. Pixel Watch is also adding Emergency Sharing, tied to car crash, fall and loss-of-pulse detection, so it can contact emergency services and alert preset contacts. Google said some previously announced features, including Gemini Intelligence, are still not available and are expected later this summer on select premium devices.
