Google has officially started rolling out the stable Android 17 update for eligible Pixel devices, as announced in a recent blog post. This update will also reach supported phones from other Android manufacturers throughout 2026. Additionally, Google has released the Android 17 source code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
The stable Android 17 update is being made available to Pixel 6 and later models. Google indicates that select ‘advanced’ Android devices will receive Gemini Intelligence later this summer.
Android 17 introduces several new features for Pixel phones, including App Bubbles, which allow users to transform any app into a floating window that can hover above other applications. Furthermore, foldable phones and larger-screen devices will offer a bubble bar at the bottom of the screen to manage apps effectively.
Foldable devices running Android 17 will receive a new 50/50 layout for games, presenting the game on one side of the screen and a dynamic gamepad on the other. Google states that this feature will be rolled out in the coming months.
The Android 17 update also includes a new Screen Reactions feature for screen recording, enabling users to record their reactions via the selfie camera while capturing the screen.
Moreover, Google has implemented updates to location access controls. Users will find a new ‘one-time precise location’ option for apps, an enhanced algorithm for approximate locations, and a redesigned dialog for “Precise” and “Approximate” location checkboxes.
New security and safety enhancements are also included in Android 17 for the Find Hub feature. The updated “Mark as lost” option allows users to lock a lost or missing device using biometrics.
With Android 17, users can now select specific contacts to share with an application, rather than sharing their entire contact list. The update also improves Live Threat Detection and Advanced Protection mode.
Additionally, Android 17 introduces a new app memory limit feature to ensure that applications do not excessively use RAM. It also includes an expanded dark theme, a new setting to hide app names on the Home screen, and several other design improvements.
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