Google has started rolling out Android 17, a new version of its mobile operating system that adds tools for multitasking, content creation, gaming and device protection. The update is arriving first on Pixel phones, with other eligible Android devices set to receive it throughout 2026.
The company says some advanced devices will also gain Gemini Intelligence later this summer, bringing more proactive assistance features to select phones. In the meantime, Android 17 focuses on changes meant to help users move between apps more easily, record and share content more smoothly, and lock down devices more securely.
One of the headline additions is Bubbles, a feature that turns an app into a floating window. Users can long-press an app icon to open it in a bubble, allowing it to stay visible on top of other apps. On larger screens, Google says bubbles sit in a dedicated bar at the bottom of the display, making it easier to switch between apps, resize windows or expand them to full screen.
Google is positioning the feature as useful for travel, work and entertainment. It can keep notes, maps, tutorials or sports updates available without forcing users to jump back and forth between full app screens.
Android 17 also updates screen recording tools. A new toolbar and revised workflow aim to make recording and annotation more straightforward. The company is adding Screen Reactions, which lets people capture their selfie camera image and their screen at the same time, so they can overlay reactions on videos, apps or websites without needing additional setup.
The operating system is also bringing gaming changes, especially for foldable phones. Google says a new foldable gaming mode uses the display more efficiently by splitting the screen into a 50-50 layout, with the game view on top and a dynamic gamepad below.
That setup is designed to give players more room for both gameplay and touch controls. Users with external controllers will also be able to remap controls natively. Google says it has reduced frame drops and stutters as part of broader memory management improvements for high-definition gaming.
Android 17 adds several security and safety updates. Users will be able to grant apps temporary access to precise location data, and share selected contacts instead of their full address book. Google says that gives people more control over what information apps can access.
The Find Hub service is gaining an upgraded Mark as lost feature that can lock a missing phone with biometrics. Google says that means even if someone knows the passcode, they still would not be able to get into the device or disable tracking.
The company is also expanding Live Threat Detection to block more suspicious apps and scams, while Advanced Protection mode is getting updates aimed at defending against more sophisticated attacks. To make theft harder, Google says it has reduced the number of PIN guesses allowed and added longer delays between failed attempts.
Beyond the headline additions, Android 17 includes broader customization and family-focused options, such as hiding app names on the home screen, expanded parental controls and a dedicated volume control for the assistant. Google is also offering more control over the dark theme.
Under the hood, the company says Android 17 introduces app memory limits so individual apps do not consume too much RAM. Google says that should help improve overall performance and battery life.
The release continues Google’s pattern of combining user-facing features with platform-level changes aimed at efficiency and safety. For now, the update is landing on Pixel devices first, with a wider rollout to follow.