After months of developer previews and beta testing, Google has officially released Android 17 for eligible Pixel smartphones. The latest version of Android introduces a mix of AI-powered tools, improved multitasking capabilities, creator-friendly features and better support for foldables.
Everything New on Android 17
Android 17 may not deliver a major visual overhaul, but it focuses heavily on refining the overall user experience. One of the highlight additions is "Bubbles", which is a new multitasking feature that allows apps to run in floating windows. The functionality is particularly useful on foldable phones and tablets, making it easier to interact with multiple apps simultaneously without constantly switching between them.
Next up, Google is also introducing Screen Reactions, which was a highlight feature at the Android Show I/O 2026 Edition. This feature is mostly aimed at content creators and social media users, letting them record their screen while simultaneously capturing footage from the front camera. This is to eliminate the need for any third-party editing tools when creating reaction videos, tutorials or gameplay content.
Talking about gameplay, gaming receives a big boost with Android 17 as well. The latest Android iteration adds native controller remapping support across the OS, letting users customise button layouts without relying on game-specific settings. Foldable phones can also take advantage of a new virtual gamepad system that lets one screen double down as a controller while the other displays showcase the game.
Apart from this, Google is also bringing new security and safety features, like an enhanced "Mark as lost" tool in Find Hub. According to Google, the feature "lets you lock a missing phone with your biometrics, so even if a thief has your passcode, they can't access information on your phone or turn off tracking."
In addition, the Live Threat Detection block has been enhanced and an improved Advanced Protection mode is meant to safeguard users against "sophisticated threats". Google has also reduced the number of times someone can guess a user's phone PIN and added longer wait times during failed attempts.
However, that's not the end of it and a bunch of other Android 17 features are now rolling out to Google Pixel phones. In case you're wondering what the Android 17 eligible devices are, you need to be on at least the Pixel 6 series. However, only select advanced devices will be getting Gemini Intelligence features later this year.
Eligible Pixel users can head over to Settings -> System -> System update to get the OTA update. Meanwhile, those already on the Android 17 Beta 4.1 update will get a minor update to this final stable version.
