- Android 17 strengthens privacy, security, and performance, with adaptive apps and improvements for camera, video, and connections.
- MotionAssist uses bubbles on the sides of the screen to reduce motion sickness during travel.
- Samsung is rolling out One UI 9 based on Android 17 progressively, starting with the Galaxy S26 series.
- Pixel phones and some Motorola devices are participating in beta testing, while the community is maintaining Android 17 on older phones.
Android 17 has already become the next major version of Google's operating system , and its development affects much more than just phones. It also extends to tablets, televisions, watches, cars, and other connected devices, in addition to the custom interfaces being developed by brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and Motorola.
The update goes beyond a handful of cosmetic changes. Privacy, security, and performance are three key areas that will be emphasized by those who test the first builds, while manufacturers adapt their interfaces and users begin to wait for their turn.
What changes in Android 17 beyond the numbers
Within Google, Android 17 is identified by API level 37 and the codename Cinnamon Bun , following the tradition of naming versions after pastry-related themes. This is useful information for developers, although it may be less relevant to the average user.
The company has focused on ensuring that apps perform well on large screens, foldable devices, and a wide variety of other formats . It's no coincidence that Android is present on phones, tablets, televisions, and vehicles, and it's increasingly common to switch between several of these devices.
There are also new features for the camera and multimedia content. Technical improvements include HPKE for more secure communications, support for VVC/H.266 and more consistent video recording quality , as well as settings for connections and user profiles with connected devices.
Among the technical changes that have been revealed are the bubble bar in the taskbar, the EyeDropper API, a contact picker with temporary access, and the Handoff API . These are in addition to Wi-Fi proximity detection, improvements for touchpads and game controllers, and various memory optimization settings.
For the average user, many of these features will be invisible at first. Even so, privacy and security outweigh a simple facelift , especially in a system that handles data, payments, messages, and services of all kinds.
MotionAssist: bubbles to combat car sickness
Looking at your phone while traveling can lead to nausea, cold sweats, and that uncomfortable feeling that makes you want to put it away. Android 17 incorporates MotionAssist, also known as Motion Assist , a tool designed to reduce the conflict between what we see on the screen and what our body perceives.
The underlying problem is motion sickness. When we focus our gaze on a seemingly still screen, our eyes and inner ear receive different messages , and the brain interprets this contradiction as discomfort. The feature attempts to correct this with small animated bubbles that react to the vehicle's actual movement.
The feature uses indicators that represent the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and cornering . These are placed on the sides, leaving the central area free for reading, replying to messages, or viewing content, and allow for customization of color, shape, and transparency.
Activating it doesn't require installing anything unusual. You can find it in Settings, Google, All services, and Personal security , or by using the settings search function. Afterward, you can configure it to activate automatically when a trip is detected or add a shortcut to turn it on and off manually.
Its rollout is being phased in. It first appeared on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices compatible with Android 17 , and then the Google Play Services update expanded its availability to more phones. However, it may take some time to appear, and its effectiveness varies from person to person, so it shouldn't be considered a magic bullet.
Timeline and rollout: from betas to One UI 9 in Europe
The Android 17 release schedule is tighter than previous versions. Google has integrated the early development phases into the Canary channel for the earliest versions , following a model similar to Chrome's, so that changes reach those working with the system sooner.
Betas are released between February and March, with stability testing overlapping with the testing phase . The idea is to shorten timelines and prevent developers from having to wait too long between releases.
The final version of Android usually arrives around May or June, without a fixed date , and from then on each manufacturer adapts the system to their phones. That's where another race begins: the race for custom interfaces and rollouts by country and carrier.
Next up are the manufacturers. Samsung, for example, has begun rolling out One UI 9 based on Android 17 in Europe, after doing so earlier in priority markets. The company has confirmed that the system is now ready for international distribution, albeit gradually.
Samsung's rollout began with the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra as the first confirmed models. The foldable Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 already came with this version pre-installed, so users don't need to wait for an update from a previous version.
The rollout is phased and depends on the country, carrier, and model . Those who participated in the beta program are usually the first to receive it, and then the update is rolled out to standard devices. Later, it is expected to reach the Galaxy S25 series, more foldable phones, and several models in the Galaxy A range.
To check, go to Settings, Software update, and Download and install . Samsung Members may also display notifications. Since this is a major upgrade, it's advisable to use a stable Wi-Fi connection, have sufficient battery power, and back up your data before installing.
Which Galaxy devices can receive Android 17 with One UI 9?
Having a relatively recent Galaxy isn't enough. Compatibility is influenced by the release year and the support period Samsung promised for each generation. That's why some devices continue to receive security patches but are no longer eligible for a new major version of Android.
In the high-end range, the reference list includes models like the Galaxy S26, S25, S24, and S23, including their FE versions . The presence of the S23 is the most noteworthy for those who still own a 2023 phone, while the S22 is excluded because it would have already received its major Android 17 updates.
- Galaxy S26, S26 + and S26 Ultra
- Galaxy S25, S25 + and S25 Ultra
- Galaxy S25FE
- Galaxy S24, S24 + and S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S24FE
- Galaxy S23, S23 + and S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S23FE
Foldable phones also have their own limitations. While the Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 remain within the support window, the Fold4 and Flip4 are excluded from the next major update. The reason isn't a proven technical limitation, but rather the established update cycle.
- Galaxy Z TriFold
- Galaxy Z Fold7 and Z Flip7
- Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
- Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Fold SE and Z Flip6
- Galaxy Z Fold5 and Z Flip5
The mid-range market greatly expands the list. You don't need a Galaxy A released in recent months: the Galaxy A54, A34, and A24 still appear among the devices with sufficient support to reach Android 17, although the policy has changed between generations and price segments.
- Galaxy A57, A37, A27, A17 and A07
- Galaxy A56, A36, A26, A16 and A06 5G
- Galaxy A55, A35, A25 and A15
- Galaxy A54, A34 and A24
Less common families in Europe are also included, such as the M, F, C, and XCover series . The fact that a model appears on a reference list does not mean it will be sold in all countries, nor that the update will arrive simultaneously in every market.
- Galaxy M56, M16, M06, M55, M55s, M35, M15, M54 and M34
- Galaxy F56, F36, F16, F06, F55, F34 and F15
- Galaxy C55
- Galaxy XCover7 and XCover7 Pro
Upgrading to One UI 9 doesn't guarantee that all Galaxy devices will receive exactly the same features. Samsung distributes some functions based on model, hardware, country, and language . Tools like Now Nudge, Interpreter, document scanning, voice recording, and Privacy Alerts may vary, especially if they rely on local AI.
Pixel, Motorola, Xiaomi and other paths to Android 17
Google Pixel phones are the first to test beta versions through the Android Beta program . The list includes models such as the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. However, it's advisable to use a test device and not your everyday phone.
Motorola is moving forward on two very different paths. On the one hand, it maintains a beta program with devices like the Moto G57 in Europe and the G57 Power , as well as the Motorola Edge 2025 in the United States. On the other hand, its stable update to Android 17 is taking longer than many users expected.
The relationship with GrapheneOS is a different story altogether. The community behind this AOSP-based alternative has confirmed that the Motorola Signature 27 will be the first to receive official support , thanks to a Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 processor and a seven-year commitment to updates. It won't be a cheap option, nor is it for everyone.
GrapheneOS adds extra layers of security and privacy, with features like a random PIN, an emergency PIN, and the absence of Google services by default. Its approach may seem excessive to the average user, but it has attracted the attention of sectors that closely scrutinize data protection.
During the beta phase, brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others did not make their tests available to the general public. Over time, lists of candidates have emerged: Samsung S24, S25, and S26, foldable Fold7 and Flip7 phones, Xiaomi series 17, 15, and 14 , and the latest models from OnePlus, Redmi, and POCO.
The most striking case comes from the scene. A Xiaomi Mi A1, released in 2017 , has received Android 17 thanks to a build by Evolution X. The device launched with Android 7.1 Nougat and its official support ended with Android 9 Pie, so this upgrade demonstrates just how far a community can extend the life of an older phone.
Evolution X adapts device trees, kernel, and components so that a Snapdragon 625, 4GB of RAM, and Android 7.1 Nougat can coexist with a much later version of the operating system. This doesn't mean the phone will perform like a modern one, but it does mean that custom ROMs still make sense.
Android 17 is presented as a broad update, focusing more on privacy, security, and performance than on major visual overhauls. Samsung is rolling out One UI 9 gradually, starting with the Galaxy S26 and later expanding to other series, while Pixel and some Motorola devices are offering beta versions, and the community is keeping the system alive on older devices. Before updating, it's advisable to check your exact model and the support period , because not all phones that are working well will receive this version.
