Amidst all the new Gemini features at Google I/O 2026, Google also shifted the spotlight to Android 17 at its "What's new in Android" developer interaction. The firm talked about several new features coming to Android 17, including a brand-new "Continue On" ecosystem feature.
Continue On Is Google's Answer to Apple Handoff
The core principle of "Continue On" in Android 17 is workflow continuity. Google explains that it is designed to enable "users to start an Android app on one Android device and then transition to another device in their Android ecosystem".
The feature will let activities from Android devices connected via the same Google account show up simultaneously with the same workflow. This means that a task initiated at one Android device can be continued on another seamlessly by using connected credentials for a smooth handoff.
Moreover, Continue On will work bidirectionally, meaning that users will be able to switch back and forth at any given moment during the entire workflow. Continue On will initially only work between Android smartphones and tablets, with support coming later to the upcoming GoogleBook Android-powered laptops.
Not to mention, Continue On will work across the entire Google Workspace library, including Chrome. Google showcases an instance of app-to-web handoff, where a task initiated at the Gmail mobile app is seamlessly carried forward to the Gmail web app on the Chrome browser.
The Android 17 Continue On feature is similar to how Apple Handoff works by letting iPhone users send workflows to MacBooks, iPads and more since 2014. That said, Continue On will be available in Android 17 RC1, which is presumably the first release candidate version for developers, later this year.
