Following four betas, Google is ready to launch Android 17 for Pixel devices. There are a handful of big additions and changes, while today’s release coincides with the June 2026 Pixel (Feature) Drop.
Like last year, this update is arriving before the historic fall window as part of Google’s new release cadence. The biggest user-facing addition in Android 17 is the ability to Bubble any application. A similar capability was previously reserved for message conversations. Long-press any app on your homescreen and tap the new button in the top-left corner to get a chat head-style icon that you can move around and drag down to close. A Bubble Bar in the bottom-right corner is available for large screen devices.
Handy for travel, entertainment and work, Bubbles lets you easily reference notes or maps, watch tutorials and even check sports. It keeps everything you need in reach but out of the way.
A small but nice addition in Wallpaper & style > Icons > Names is “Show app names” to hide labels on your homescreen.
Android 17 implements app memory limits “to ensure apps never use too much RAM” for improved device performance and to help preserve battery.
The screen recorder accessed from Quick Settings has been redesigned with a floating pill interface. Your available options are unchanged from before. After the recording has started, you can tap the status bar indicator to bring back the pill and make changes — tap the settings gear — or “Stop.” Screen Reactions give you a green screen to add a selfie video to the capture.
Afterwards, you’re taken to a new fullscreen page that lets you preview the clip, Edit, Delete, or Share.
In Quick Settings, the Camera, Location, and Microphone access indicators in the top-right corner have been redesigned. The pill is narrower and makes use of circular containers to better distinguish what’s active.
On the topic of Location, Android 17 has a number of changes. The runtime Location permission now adds explicit checkboxes when picking between “Precise” and “Approximate.” Google is also adding a new one-time precise location button for apps, while there’s an improved algorithm for approximate location.
Additionally, you can share specific contacts with apps “instead of your entire address book.”
The bigger QS change is split Wi-Fi and Mobile data toggles. After updating, the previous Internet Tile becomes Wi-Fi and you can add Mobile data. On supported devices, there’s also a new “Satellite” Tile that takes you to “Satellite connectivity” settings.
When you “Mark as lost,” Find Hub now lets you require biometrics, “so even if a thief has your passcode, they can’t access information on your phone or turn off tracking.”
The “No notifications” message in the shade has been replaced by “You’re all caught up” and a trophy icon that comes from the Pixel Watch.
In terms of visual changes, Widget panes now feature a blurred background just like Quick Settings and the Notification shade. There are various icon tweaks, but nothing drastic following the Material 3 Expressive redesign last year. You’ll also notice a close ‘x’ in fingerprint sheets.
There are several notable changes in the Settings app:
- “Accounts and backup” is a new combined menu that simplifies “Password & passkeys.”
- Once you dig down, individual preferences are now housed in shorter cards that remove top/bottom padding for more compact lists.
- In Sound & vibration, you’ll find a new slider for “Assistant volume.”
- Under Display & touch > Dark theme, you can now control which apps use the Expanded dark theme.
- There’s a new Easter egg for the first time in three generations. Go to Settings > About phone > Android version and tap the “17” repeatedly to connect all the dots.
Android 17 Pixel launch
Android 17 is launching and rolling out starting today for the 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, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a.
Visit Settings > System > System update and click the “Check for update” button if the OTA hasn’t already appeared on your device. Android 17 Beta 4.1 users will get a small update to this final release.
The Android Beta Program will remain open and continue testing QPRs and feature drops. To get the stable version, those running Android 17 Beta 4 have to opt out first. Devices will not be wiped by the stable OTA once that becomes widely available.
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