Android 17 has finally reached platform stability with the Beta 4 update, and it means that the feature set is essentially locked. Some of these features have been on Pixel devices via Android 16 QPR updates, but most non-Pixel Android phones will only get them through the Android 17 update. So without any delay, let's go ahead and check out the best Android 17 features.
Liquid Glass-Like Blur Effect
The most visible change in Android 17 is going to be the frosted glass aesthetic across the OS. The internal system flag in the Android 17 Beta is literally calling the effect "blur". Android 17 adds translucent Gaussian blur effects to the volume panel, expanded volume menu, power menu, notification shade and Quick Settings.
The volume pill turns into a translucent container that picks up the wallpaper, app icons or whatever is behind it. Same for the power menu and notification shade. While some are saying that Google is copying Apple's Liquid Glass design introduced with iOS 26, Android ecosystem chief Sameer Samat has denied the comparison.
Nevertheless, this visual refresh is going to define how Android 17 looks, and honestly, I am quite excited about it, as Google has called it "one of the biggest years for Android yet".
Pixel Launcher Customisation
Three of the most requested Pixel Launcher features are coming with Android 17. First, you can now hide app names on the home screen for a clean icon-only setup. Second, you can finally remove the At a Glance widget by long-pressing it. And third, the Pixel Launcher search bar now supports custom shortcuts.
You can replace the default AI Mode button with Gemini Live, Translate, Song Search, Sports and other shortcuts. On top of that, the biggest one is that you might be able to remove the bottom search bar from the Pixel Launcher. Strings spotted in Android 17 QPR1 Beta confirmed that Google is working on a 'Show search bar toggle'. It might land with the Android 17 QPR1 feature drop in September 2026, not the initial June stable release.
App Bubbles
This is the multitasking upgrade Android users have been asking for forever. Bubbles used to be restricted to messaging apps, but with Android 17 Beta 2, Google confirmed that Bubbles is coming in a windowing mode. It means that you can turn any app on your phone, tablet or foldable into a floating bubble by long-pressing its launcher icon. The feature went system-wide with the Android 17 Beta 3 update.
For instance, while watching a YouTube video in full screen, you can keep a Google Keep bubble on your screen for notes. On tablets, you get the new Bubble Bar that holds your five most recently opened bubbles. This was available on One UI and ColorOS. Now, it's coming to Android natively.
Native App Lock
After years of delay, we are finally getting native App Lock on Android. Android 17 brings a system-level App Lock that lets you lock any individual app behind a PIN, pattern, password or biometric without needing a third-party tool or Private Space.
Long-press an app icon, hit "App lock" from the quick options menu and simply pick your authentication method. Notifications for any locked app are masked so you will see "New message" or "New notification" instead of the actual content.
One UI, ColorOS and OxygenOS users have had this feature for years, so stock Android is finally catching up, and it's a massive quality-of-life win. If you cannot wait for Android 17, here is how to lock apps on Android right now using your phone's existing tools.
Live Updates
Google's answer to Apple's Live Activities is coming with Android 17. Live Updates is a new type of notification that displays real-time progress for food delivery, Uber and Maps. It directly appears on your Always On Display, lock screen and status bar as a chip.
When you place an Uber Eats order, the Live Update appears at the top of your notifications and turns into a status bar chip that you can tap to expand. It will be displayed while tracking a cab or a flight as well. Note that Pixel devices got Live Updates with Android 16 stable, but for the rest of the Android ecosystem, Android 17 will introduce it.
Desktop Mode
Desktop Mode was promised with Android 16, but the first public rollout only arrived as a developer preview in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 on Pixel phones. Google says desktop windowing is set to launch later for compatible devices, so we are expecting that Desktop Mode is finally coming with Android 17 to all OEMs.
Other continuity features and optimisations for larger screens in Android 17 point to a proper Desktop Mode. We have already seen that Android 17 is removing orientation and resizability limits for larger screens. So yes, this year, we might see a full-fledged Desktop Mode with the release of Android 17.
Lock Screen Widgets (Hub Mode)
Lock screen widgets are back and not just on tablets. Android 17 brings the new Hub mode to Pixel phones with a glanceable widget panel. It lets you check your calendar, control smart home devices, view fitness stats or check the weather without unlocking your phone.
Currently, Hub mode supports three widgets per page with no limit on the number of pages. The feature went live for Pixels with Android 16 QPR2, and Android 17 is all set to bring the feature to the wider ecosystem.
Split Notification and Quick Settings Panels
With Android 17, you will be able to choose between the classic 'Combined' panel and a new 'Separate' panel. The Separate setting splits notifications (swipe down from the left side of the status bar) and Quick Settings (swipe down from the right) into two different shades, just like other Android skins.
One UI, ColorOS, OxygenOS and OriginOS users have had this option for years. According to leaks, foldables and tablets will be forced to use the split layout on their larger inner screens with no toggle to switch back. However, phone users will get the flexibility to choose between the old and new options.
Separate Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Tiles
Pixel users have been complaining about the combined Internet tile to switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Finally, Android 17 Beta 3 splits Wi-Fi and mobile data into separate Quick Settings tiles, exactly how it used to be before Android 12 arrived.
And there is more to it. Google also restored the single-tap Wi-Fi toggle, so you can enable or disable Wi-Fi with one tap instead of going through the Internet menu. Note that you may need to manually add the mobile data tile to your panel after updating to Android 17. While we are at it, here is our guide on how to customise Quick Settings on Pixel phones.
Redesigned Screen Recorder
Android 17 brings a redesigned and pill-shaped screen recording toolbar that floats on the screen while recording. It takes up less space than the old dialogue and includes a doodle button for annotating the screen during recording. You can also enable a new 'Show selfie camera' toggle for front camera recording. There are also device audio toggles and a one-tap stop option.
In addition, there is a new editor after capturing, similar to the one in the screenshot. Once your recording stops, tapping the notification opens a player with retake, edit, delete and share buttons. Google is also adding partial screen capture support so you can record a selected area instead of the whole screen.
Auto-Themed Icons and App-Specific Dark Theme
Android 17 is also improving visual consistency with two new changes. First, Auto-themed icons use a colour filtering algorithm to automatically tint app icons that do not have a monochrome version, so your home screen finally looks visually cohesive. It works even for apps that have not implemented Material You theming.
Not to mention, developers cannot opt out, which means your favourite third-party apps will finally use auto-theming. Pixel users already got this with Android 16 QPR2, and now one of the best Material 3 Expressive features is coming to the wider Android ecosystem.
And for dark mode users, Android 17 brings app-specific dark theme control. Android already supports a forced dark mode that inverts apps without native dark theme support, but some apps look broken when dark mode is forced. Now, you can disable dark theme for specific apps, so you can keep the system-wide setting on without breaking any other app.
Split-Screen Multitasking
Android 17 is getting a 90:10 split-screen view for tall phones. In this mode, one app takes 90% of the screen while a second app is moved to the 10% screen area at the edge. It seems inspired by OnePlus' Open Canvas.
Apart from that, split-screen snap arrows have been added in Android 17 Beta 4. When you are in split-screen mode, you can now tap arrows on the divider to instantly snap between 50:50, 70:30 and 90:10 ratios without having to drag the bar around manually.
Cross-Device Handoff for App Continuity
Google is going after Apple's Handoff with its own version in Android 17. The new Handoff API, introduced in Android 17 Beta 2, lets developers specify the "application state" that can be resumed on another linked Android device.
You will be able to draft an email on your phone, walk up to your tablet, and a handoff suggestion will show up in the taskbar. Tap on it and the app picks up exactly where you left off.
This is part of Google's push to make Android feel like a unified ecosystem across phones, tablets, foldables and the upcoming Aluminium OS laptops. Apart from that, Desktop Mode in Android 17 also gets improved window snapping, a taskbar that handles bubbles and support for external 4K displays.
Agentic Gemini
Google is positioning Android 17 as an "intelligence system" rather than only an operating system. Gemini can now automate multi-step tasks across installed apps, autofill forms via Gemini Personal Intelligence and show proactive suggestions through Magic Cue. App automation has already launched on the Galaxy S26 series and select Pixel 10 devices, starting with food delivery, grocery and ride-sharing apps.
Around all of this, Google has built a strong privacy framework. Every AI feature is opt-in, app automation can be enabled for specific apps, and Gemini requires user confirmation before making purchases. On the other hand, comprehensive data protection uses Private Compute Core, Private AI Compute and protected KVM to safeguard ambient data.
In addition, new defences against prompt injection have been implemented. And a real-time "View progress" shows up when Gemini is automating an app. Not to mention, a new AI assistant activity history in the Privacy Dashboard that shows which assistants were active and which apps they used in the last 24 hours.
Native Game Controller Remapping
This is the feature Android gamers have wanted for years. Android 17 Beta 2 has added system-wide controller remapping for both wired and Bluetooth gamepads. You can fully remap face buttons, triggers, thumbstick clicks, the D-pad and analogue sticks. And the configuration is saved directly to the phone, so you do not have to reconfigure every time you reconnect a controller.
For wired gamepads, head to Settings > System > Game controller, and for Bluetooth gamepads, go to Settings > Connected devices > Device details > Game controller settings. Apple added this to iOS back in 2020, so Google is six years late, but it finally works at the OS level rather than depending on each game.
Priority Charging
Priority Charging is a new mode that pauses resource-heavy background processes and limits CPU usage when you plug in your phone, so the current goes straight to the battery. The feature is most effective with a 30W or higher charger. It's really a useful feature; however, there is a caveat.
Priority Charging was still marked as hidden in Android 17 Beta 4. It may launch with the initial Android 17 stable release or may be delayed to a later QPR feature drop in 2026. Google has not confirmed the timing, but the feature has been spotted in code references, so it's likely coming.
App Memory Limits
App Memory Limits is coming with Android 17, and it restricts how much RAM individual apps can hold based on your device's total memory. This will ensure that a misbehaving app doesn't hog system resources and slow down the whole system.
Android 17 sets a baseline for memory usage for every app, and any app that exceeds its allocation gets flagged or terminated by the system before it can cause UI stuttering or battery drain. With this feature, Google wants to make Android phones more consistent over time, as the system will actively prevent rogue apps from dragging down overall performance.
Advanced Protection Mode 2.0
Security is getting a big improvement in Android 17. Android Advanced Protection Mode (AAPM) is an opt-in mode made for high-risk users like journalists, activists and executives. When enabled, it blocks app installation from unknown sources (no sideloading at all) and restricts USB data signalling to defend against 'juice jacking'. The security feature also mandates Google Play Protect scans.
Now, with AAPM 2.0 in Android 17, it blocks non-accessibility apps from using the AccessibilityService API. Google is also introducing Intrusion Logging, a new feature that keeps a secure and encrypted record of important device activity such as USB connection events, network info, app installs, Bluetooth connections, lock screen events and Wi-Fi connections.
The logs are stored in a private and encrypted Google Drive and automatically deleted after 12 months. If you think your phone has been compromised in the past, you can download the logs and review it.
New Contact Picker and Privacy Defaults
Android 17 is bringing three new privacy defaults that apply automatically to apps targeting API level 37. First, the new Contact Picker is a smarter alternative as to how we give contacts permission to apps. Instead of giving an app full access to your contacts, it gives apps temporary and one-time access to only the specific contacts they request. It's like Android's scoped storage, but for contacts.
Next, Local Network Protection has introduced a new permission. Apps targeting Android 17 must now explicitly request this permission before they can discover or connect to any device on your Wi-Fi network. Basically, apps will need explicit permission from users before they can access or scan your local network.
Android 17 is also delaying access to SMS OTP messages by three hours for most apps to prevent OTP hijacking. Your default SMS app, assistant apps and verified companion apps are exempt from this. In addition, apps that use the proper SMS Retriever or User Consent APIs are exempted. Basically, by the time three hours pass, the OTP code will have expired.
To improve location privacy, Android 17 is adding a one-session location button and bringing a more private approximate location algorithm. Next, the location indicator in the status bar can be expanded to show exactly which apps are accessing your location currently.
Security and Privacy Improvements in Android 17
In terms of security, Android 17's biggest new addition is Verified Financial Calls, which is a banking scam protection that works in the background. When you get a call that claims to be from your bank, Android checks with the bank's app to see if they are actually calling you. In case it's a dubious call, the system ends the call automatically.
Apart from that, phone theft protection also gets an upgrade. Find Hub's Mark as Lost feature now lets you lock your phone behind biometric authentication on top of your PIN from another device. This is done so thieves who somehow learn your PIN cannot disable tracking or get back into the device. Android 17 also reduces the number of PIN guesses allowed before lockout with longer wait times.
Next, your phone's IMEI is now accessible right from the lock screen so police or repair centres can verify ownership without unlocking the device. And Remote Lock and Theft Detection Lock are now enabled by default on every new Android 17 phone globally.
Finally, Android OS verification lets you check whether your phone is running an authentic, unmodified version of Android or not. And Chrome on Android will now scan APK downloads for known malware before the file even lands on your phone, but you need to keep Safe Browsing turned on.
Other Notable Android 17 Features
Apart from the above features, there are many new changes coming to Android 17 that you should know about. Here are some notable ones:
- Built-in Parental Controls: Android 17 is bringing a centralised menu that allows parents to set daily screen time limits and schedule downtime to automatically lock the device at night. Parents can also restrict specific apps via timers or block apps behind a PIN.
- Flashlight Strength Slider: You can press the flashlight tile in the Quick Settings panel to show a vertical slider. Here, you can control the flashlight strength.
- New Unicode 17 emojis: Android 17 is introducing Unicode 17 emojis which include 'Distorted Face', 'Fight Cloud', 'Hairy Creature' and 'Orca'.
- Enhanced touchpad and mouse support: Android 17 is adding new Action Corners which let you assign actions to screen corners. Universal Cursor allows the cursor to flow between phone and external display. By the way, this is part of Google's Aluminium OS and meant to improve continuity across Android phones and laptops.
- Mandatory orientation and resizability for large screens: Android apps targeting Android 17 on larger screens can no longer opt out of resizing. Tablet and foldable apps will finally behave properly, and users can easily resize them.
And that wraps up our list of Android 17 features. Google is set to officially unveil Android 17 at The Android Show: I/O Edition on May 12. Pixel devices should get the stable update in June 2026. In case you can't wait, here is our guide on how to install Android beta builds on Pixel phones. You can enjoy early Android 17 features right away.
-1120w630h.webp "Gemini Intelligence on Android Explained: All Features and How to Use thumbnail")
