Android 17: Best New Features, Supported Phones & Everything You Need to Know
Android 17 is officially here, bringing major improvements to Google's mobile operating system. The latest Android release focuses on smarter AI integration, stronger privacy protections, better multitasking, improved performance, and a more flexible experience across smartphones, tablets, and foldable devices.
Google released Android 17 on June 16, 2026, initially making the stable update available to most supported Pixel devices. In this guide, we'll explore the best Android 17 features, supported phones, privacy upgrades, camera improvements, and everything you need to know before updating.
Android 17 Release Date
Google officially released Android 17 on June 16, 2026. The update became available for most supported Google Pixel devices, while phones from other manufacturers will receive Android 17 according to each brand's own software update schedule.
You can read Google's official Android 17 announcement on the Android Developers website .
What's New in Android 17?
Android 17 is not just a visual update. Google has introduced changes across AI, multitasking, privacy, security, performance, large-screen support, camera capabilities, and accessibility.
1. Smarter AI Integration
Google is expanding Android's AI capabilities through AppFunctions. This technology allows compatible AI assistants and agents to discover certain features inside supported apps and perform actions on behalf of the user.
For example, an AI assistant could eventually help create a note, retrieve information, or complete a supported task directly inside an app without requiring the user to navigate through multiple menus.
Google says its Gemini integration with AppFunctions is still being introduced gradually, so some AI capabilities may not be immediately available to every user.
2. App Bubbles Bring Better Multitasking
One of the most interesting Android 17 features is the expansion of App Bubbles. Unlike older messaging bubbles, Android 17 can allow users to turn supported apps into floating bubbles for quicker multitasking.
This means you can keep an app accessible while using another app without repeatedly returning to the home screen.
On tablets and foldable phones, Android 17 also introduces a dedicated Bubble Bar designed to organize floating apps more efficiently.
3. Better Tablet and Foldable Support
Android 17 places much greater emphasis on large-screen devices. Apps targeting Android 17 are expected to adapt more effectively to different window sizes, orientations, tablets, foldables, and desktop-style Android environments.
This should make Android apps more consistent when moving between a regular smartphone, a foldable phone, and a tablet.
4. Continue On Between Android Devices
Android 17 introduces a feature called Continue On, designed to make it easier to move a task from one Android device to another.
For example, a user may begin using an app on a smartphone and later receive a suggestion on a tablet to continue from where they left off.
The feature can also support app-to-web transitions when the same app is not installed on the second device.
5. Faster Performance and Better Memory Management
Android 17 includes several important performance improvements behind the scenes. Google is introducing stricter memory management to prevent apps from consuming too many system resources.
The Android Runtime also includes improvements designed to reduce CPU usage, power consumption, and interface stutter.
For apps targeting Android 17, changes to Android's MessageQueue architecture are also intended to improve app startup speed and reduce missed frames.
6. Stronger Privacy Controls
Privacy is one of the biggest areas of improvement in Android 17. Google is continuing to move away from broad permanent permissions toward more limited and temporary access.
A new system-level contact picker, for example, can allow users to share only specific contact information with an app instead of granting access to the entire address book.
Android 17 also introduces stronger protections around location access, local network permissions, photos, and other sensitive information.
For more ways to improve Android security, read our guide: How to Protect Your Android Phone From Hackers .
7. Better SMS Verification Code Protection
Android 17 strengthens security around SMS one-time passwords and verification codes. The system can delay access to certain OTP messages for apps that should not immediately receive that sensitive information.
This makes it harder for unauthorized apps to access security codes sent through SMS.
8. Major Camera and Video Improvements
Android 17 includes several improvements aimed at photography, video, and professional media applications.
One notable addition is support for the RAW14 image format on compatible camera hardware, which can provide professional camera apps with greater image detail and color information.
The update also introduces new capabilities for HDR video, camera extensions, video encoding, and media processing.
9. Better Hearing Aid Support
Android 17 improves support for Bluetooth LE Audio hearing aids. The system can better distinguish hearing aids from regular Bluetooth headphones.
Users can also have more control over whether notifications, alarms, and ringtones play through a connected hearing aid or through the phone's built-in speaker.
Android 17 Supported Google Pixel Phones
Google currently provides Android 17 downloads and OTA updates for a wide range of Pixel devices.
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 8a
- Google Pixel 9
- Google Pixel 9 Pro
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Google Pixel 9a
- Google Pixel 10
- Google Pixel 10 Pro
- Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Google Pixel 10a
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel Tablet
You can check Google's official list of supported devices on the Android 17 download page .
Will Samsung Galaxy Phones Get Android 17?
Samsung distributes major Android updates through its One UI interface, so eligible Galaxy devices receive Android 17 together with Samsung's own software changes.
If you use a Samsung phone, you can read our dedicated guide: Samsung One UI 9: Features, Supported Devices and Android 17 .
Exact availability can vary depending on the Galaxy model, country, carrier, and Samsung's rollout schedule.
What About Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO and Other Android Phones?
Google provides the Android platform, but manufacturers customize it before releasing updates to their own devices.
That means Android 17 will appear differently depending on the brand. Samsung uses One UI, Xiaomi uses HyperOS, OnePlus uses OxygenOS, and OPPO uses ColorOS.
The timing of Android 17 updates will therefore vary significantly between manufacturers and phone models.
Android 17 vs Android 16: What Has Improved?
Android 17 builds on Android 16 rather than completely redesigning the operating system. Its biggest improvements focus on making Android smarter, safer, faster, and better suited to multiple device types.
- Deeper AI integration
- More powerful multitasking
- Better large-screen and foldable support
- Stronger privacy controls
- Improved SMS security
- Better memory management
- New camera and media capabilities
- Improved cross-device workflows
Best Apps to Try on Android 17
Once your device receives Android 17, you may also want to explore useful apps that take advantage of modern Android features.
Check out our guide to the Best Free Android Apps for more recommendations.
Hidden Android Features You Should Know
Android already includes many useful tools that users often overlook, including privacy controls, shortcuts, multitasking features, and customization options.
You can discover more in our guide: Hidden Android Features You Should Be Using .
Should You Install Android 17?
If Android 17 is officially available for your device, the update brings meaningful improvements in privacy, multitasking, performance, security, and device compatibility.
However, it is always a good idea to back up important photos, documents, and other data before installing a major operating system update.
You should also make sure your phone has enough free storage and sufficient battery power before beginning the installation.
Android 17 Frequently Asked Questions
When was Android 17 released?
Google officially released Android 17 on June 16, 2026, initially making it available to most supported Pixel devices.
What Android version is Android 17?
Android 17 corresponds to API level 37.
Is Android 17 available for Samsung phones?
Eligible Samsung Galaxy devices receive Android 17 through Samsung's One UI software. Availability depends on the specific device and region.
Does Android 17 improve performance?
Yes. Android 17 includes changes to memory management, garbage collection, app startup behavior, and other system components designed to improve responsiveness and efficiency.
Does Android 17 improve privacy?
Yes. Android 17 includes improvements involving contacts, location access, local network permissions, SMS verification codes, and other sensitive user data.
Which Google Pixel phones support Android 17?
Google provides Android 17 for supported devices ranging from the Pixel 6 family through the Pixel 10 family, along with Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
Final Thoughts
Android 17 is one of Google's most important platform updates in recent years. Rather than focusing on a single dramatic redesign, the update improves many parts of the Android experience at the same time.
Features such as App Bubbles, Continue On, stronger privacy controls, better memory management, AI integration, camera improvements, and enhanced large-screen support make Android 17 a meaningful upgrade for compatible devices.
As more manufacturers begin rolling Android 17 out to their phones, Radar Next will continue covering supported devices, new features, software updates, and practical Android guides.