Google has officially started rolling out the stable version of Android 17 to eligible Pixel phones, marking one of the fastest Android software releases to date. This update, available for Pixel 6 models and newer, arrives ahead of the typical schedule, bringing a host of new features, UI refinements, and AI upgrades to users.
Key New Features in Android 17
Customizable Bubble Apps
Android 17 introduces 'Bubble apps,' allowing any application to appear as a small, floating icon similar to a chat head. Users can activate this feature by pressing and holding an app icon on the home screen and selecting the new 'Bubble' option. These movable floating bubbles remain on top of other applications. For larger-screen devices, such as tablets and foldable phones, Android 17 includes a 'Bubble Bar' in the bottom-right corner for easier management of these floating apps.
Enhanced UI Personalization
The new update brings expanded customization options for the user interface. Users can now hide app names from the homescreen, creating a cleaner, clutter-free look. This setting is accessible via 'Wallpaper & style,' then 'Icons,' where you can disable 'Show app names.' Further enhancements include blurred backgrounds and translucent effects applied across widgets, the volume panel, and the power-off menu. The update also allows users to resize menus for a more compact appearance.
Stronger Privacy Controls
Android 17 significantly enhances user privacy with new features like a system contact picker. This allows users to precisely control which third-party applications can access their contacts. Location privacy has also been improved, offering clearer permission choices, enabling temporary and precise location sharing, and making approximate location data more accurate.
New Screen Recording and AI Tools
The update includes 'Screen Reactions,' a feature that lets users record selfie videos directly within a screen recording session. Additionally, Google's Gemini Omni now offers advanced video creation and editing capabilities, allowing users to generate and modify videos using text, image, and video prompts.
Eligible Pixel Devices
The Android 17 update is rolling out to the following Google Pixel models:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Pixel 10a
What's Next for Android 17
While currently available for Pixel devices, Android 17 is expected to roll out to other Android smartphones in the near future. Major manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, OPPO, Honor, and Xiaomi have already begun releasing beta versions of the update for their respective devices.