Everything we know so far about Android 17

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Android 17 is shaping up to be one of the biggest overhauls Google has ever made of its mobile operating system. It won't just be the update that debuts on the next Pixel phones; it will also set the standard for phones, tablets, laptops, and even TVs for years to come. The key is that, beyond the typical facelift, it comes packed with changes in security, performance, AI, and a very ambitious project to unify Android and ChromeOS.

In the following lines, you'll find everything that's known so far about Android 17 : release schedule, betas, confirmed and leaked features, the mysterious "Aluminum OS" project, features designed for gamers, privacy changes, compatible devices (Pixel, Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, and more), and how you can install it as soon as it's ready. The idea is that, by the time you finish reading, you'll have a pretty clear picture of what to expect when the update arrives on your phone.

Android 17 release date and development schedule

Google has long followed a fairly predictable pattern with each new version of Android, and Android 17 doesn't appear to be any different. In fact, several preview versions have already been released, and the company has been refining the schedule so that the stable version arrives before summer, instead of at the end of the year as before.

The company has launched the first phase of development through the Canary channel, which largely replaces the old, classic Developer Preview. This Canary channel is where the earliest and most experimental changes are released, designed for developers who want to be well ahead of the rest. From there, the classic betas have been rolled out in succession.

The first betas of Android 17 began rolling out in February, with a clear focus on refining privacy, security, and performance. Beta 1, Beta 2, Beta 3, and Beta 4 followed, a similar pattern to Android 16 but within this new, more continuous development model. In March, Google confirmed that Android 17 had reached "platform stability," meaning that the technical foundation is now frozen and, from that point forward, only critical APIs and behaviors are being touched.

The first betas of Android 17 began rolling out in February , with a clear focus on refining privacy, security, and performance. Beta 1, Beta 2, Beta 3, and Beta 4 followed, a similar pattern to Android 16 but within this new, more continuous development model. In March, Google confirmed that Android 17 had reached "platform stability," meaning that the technical foundation is now frozen and, from that point forward, only critical APIs and behaviors are being touched.

The main public showcase will be "The Android Show" on May 12, 2026 , where Google is expected to unveil the stable version of Android 17 with the final list of new features. This event will be part of Google I/O week, but will have its own dedicated focus on Android. Following this, the final version will begin rolling out first to Pixel devices during June and July.

As usual, Pixel devices will be the first to receive Android 17 via OTA . After that, other manufacturers will follow, adapting the Android 17 base to their own custom interfaces (One UI, HyperOS, etc.). Estimates suggest a wave of updates during the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027, depending on each brand's strategy.

Internal name, API and new development philosophy

True to Google's unofficial tradition, Android 17 has a dessert name : its internal code is "Cinnamon Bun." It corresponds to API level 37 and follows the custom of assigning names to sweets alphabetically for internal use. After "Baklava" for Android 16, "C" remains for this Cinnamon Bun, which marks a new cycle in the development model.

Android 17 is also a key component of the "Trunk Stable" model that Google is using to organize system development. Instead of large leaps concentrated in a couple of preview versions, it relies on the Canary channel to deliver changes continuously and earlier to developers. This also means that when public betas arrive, they are more mature and have fewer last-minute surprises.

On the technical side, Google has emphasized that Android 17 focuses primarily on three pillars : privacy, security, and performance optimization, relegating major aesthetic enhancements to a secondary role (although there are still visible changes). This philosophy is evident in the internal improvements to memory, background processes, cryptography, and network management, which we will discuss later.

“Aluminum OS” and the possible merger with ChromeOS

One of the most intriguing topics surrounding Android 17 is the project codenamed "Aluminum OS ." Although Google hasn't officially confirmed it as part of this version, multiple leaks and statements from executives suggest that the company is working to unify Android and ChromeOS into a single platform capable of running phones, tablets, and laptops.

Currently, Google maintains two distinct operating systems : Android, found on phones, tablets, watches, cars, TVs, and other devices; and ChromeOS, primarily used on entry-level and low-end Chromebooks. The goal of “Aluminum OS” would be to eliminate this duplication, bringing the desktop experience and interface directly onto an Android base.

The idea is clear: when you use Android on a mobile phone, you'll see the traditional interface designed for vertical touchscreens, but when connected to a monitor or a dedicated laptop, a full desktop UI would activate, with windows and computer-like behavior. We've already seen a preliminary attempt at this in the Pixel's desktop mode with Android 16, but "Aluminum OS" would go many steps further and aims to replace ChromeOS.

Behind this move are three key motivations that have been gradually revealed. First, Google wants to unify resources and focus development on a single system , instead of maintaining two parallel branches as before. This should translate into faster rollout of new features, especially in AI. Second, the company aims to conquer the high-end laptop market : Chromebooks have historically been inexpensive devices, but rumors point to premium laptops running Android as their desktop operating system.

The third front is AI: Google plans to integrate Gemini directly into the system core , so it can be used natively on laptops and other devices, without relying so heavily on the cloud. This aligns with the goal of having a "single ring" within the Made by Google ecosystem, where phones, tablets, and computers share a common technological foundation and advanced intelligent features.

What remains unclear is whether "Aluminum OS" will fully debut in Android 17 or if it will begin as a phased rollout. All signs point to significant progress in this direction, particularly regarding desktop mode, productivity, and cross-device compatibility, but we'll have to wait for "The Android Show" for confirmation.

Visual updates: Material 3 Expressive and “Liquid Glass” touch

In terms of aesthetics, Android 17 continues to evolve the Material 3 Expressive language that Google debuted more forcefully in Android 16. The interface focuses even more on customization based on dynamic colors, but now adds transparency and blur effects that are quite reminiscent of the so-called " Liquid Glass " seen in iOS and in overlays like HyperOS.

One of the most striking changes is the new translucent volume bar . Instead of an opaque block, the volume control reveals, in a blurred effect, the content behind it when you open it over an app. This same "frosted glass" concept extends to other system elements such as the full volume sheet and the power and restart menus.

Furthermore, all icons are expected to more strictly adhere to the system's accent color . This reinforces the sense of visual consistency that Google has been pursuing for several versions, reducing the patchwork effect of icons of all styles. Menus such as the brightness menu have also been tweaked to be cleaner and easier to use.

Android 17 also introduces a split Control Center that reorganizes how we interact with notifications and quick settings. Swiping in from the left side of the status bar opens the notification panel and the so-called "magic summaries" powered by Gemini, while swiping in from the right reveals a new Control Center with larger, customizable, and resizable buttons, all with the aforementioned blurred glass effect.

This redesign not only aims to modernize the appearance, but also facilitates one-handed use and the organization of quick access points . Those who have been requesting more flexible control over Wi-Fi, data, Bluetooth, and other toggles for years will welcome this change, especially when combined with improvements in productivity and cross-device continuity.

Performance, battery, and internal changes under the hood

Beyond what you see, Android 17 comes loaded with internal changes designed to make the system run more smoothly, run fewer useless processes, and make better use of device memory—something especially important now that Android runs on a wide variety of devices with very different power levels.

One of the most striking new features is the adoption of AutoFDO in the Android kernel . This technology, using real-world execution profiles and AI techniques, helps optimize low-level code to speed up app startup times and reduce interface lag. In practice, the phone should feel somewhat more responsive, especially when performing repetitive tasks.

In terms of battery, Android 17 includes improvements to background process management , reducing the silent activity of apps you're not actively using, thus saving CPU and battery power. The first betas have also added a battery charging and cycle diagnostic feature, which is combined with a new, comprehensive status panel.

This battery panel displays the total number of charge cycles, the cell's manufacturing date , and an estimated "health" percentage. With this information, it's easier to decide when a battery is so degraded that it's worth considering replacing the part or even the phone. This is a long-standing user request that has finally been integrated natively into the system.

Security, privacy, and changes in connections

In terms of security, Android 17 comes in strong. Several of its beta versions have focused precisely on this aspect, reinforcing both the protection of personal data and the integrity of communications. One of the clearest measures is the blocking, by default, of sending unencrypted data over the network. The system prioritizes secure connections and reduces the possibility of poorly designed apps exposing sensitive information.

New cryptographic standards are also being incorporated , such as HPKE hybrid cryptography, designed for more robust communications against advanced attacks. This is of interest to messaging apps as well as corporate and banking applications, which rely on the security chain provided by the operating system.

Another very practical change concerns local network connections . Android 17 restricts app access to the local network (LAN) by default, so apps can only access other devices at home or in the office if the user explicitly authorizes it. This is another step in the "allow only what is necessary" approach that Google has been pursuing for several versions.

In the area of ​​SMS and authentication, the second beta introduced a protection system against OTP code hijacking . Third-party applications other than the system's default messaging app will have a three-hour delay in accessing messages containing one-time codes. This makes it more difficult for a malicious app to quickly read and use these verification codes.

Furthermore, Google is preparing a significant change in its philosophy regarding APK installations from outside the Play Store . Under the guise of security, the company will require developers to verify their identity before their APKs can be installed, even if downloaded from alternative stores or websites. This could help combat malware, but it also represents a major blow to open-source repositories like F-Droid and the unofficial app ecosystem, a concern for a significant portion of the community.

AI functions and AppFunctions framework

Android 17 is heavily influenced by generative AI and the integration of Gemini. A key component is AppFunctions, a local framework that allows applications to expose internal functions so that assistants like Gemini can invoke them directly using natural language.

Thanks to AppFunctions, AI can orchestrate complex, multi-step tasks within third-party apps without the user having to manually jump from screen to screen. For example, you could ask the assistant to book a flight, change the date of a meeting in the calendar, and notify a work group in a chat app, all running in the background using the functions those apps have exposed to the system.

This approach aligns with “Aluminum OS’s” goal of having Gemini deeply embedded in the system , not just as an app on top of Android. This includes generating magical notification summaries in the top panel and, presumably, a greater presence of AI to manage text, images, and actions in different parts of the interface.

For developers, this represents a shift in mindset when designing apps . It's not just about offering a beautiful interface, but about clearly defining what operations the application can perform so that the system assistant can use them safely and in a controlled manner, while maintaining permissions and privacy.

Improvements for games and controllers: remapping and virtual controller

Android 17 has a special fondness for gaming. One of the long-standing complaints of mobile gamers is the lack of robust support for physical controllers , especially when using Xbox or PlayStation gamepads that don't always align perfectly with each game's controls.

The new version will integrate native support for button remapping , allowing you to customize the action layout to your liking and avoid situations where a button does something different than expected. This should greatly improve the experience on both mobile devices and Android-based handheld consoles.

In addition, there's the virtual controller feature , which translates screen taps into physical controller inputs. In other words, you'll be able to play games designed for touchscreens with your favorite controller, as Android 17 will map the touch zones to physical buttons. This is fantastic news for anyone with a quality controller who wants to get the most out of it.

These improvements to controls are complemented by better support for touchpads and controllers on large screens and in desktop mode. Google wants connecting a mobile phone to an external monitor or using a tablet with a keyboard and trackpad to be an experience closer to a traditional PC, something fundamental if "Aluminum OS" ends up establishing itself as a replacement for ChromeOS.

In the multimedia realm, Android 17 also adds support for VVC (H.266), the Versatile Video Coding codec , which allows for higher quality at lower bitrates, and options such as constant quality in video recording. In addition, there's a redesigned, floating, pill-shaped screen recording toolbar that allows for real-time scribbling and annotation, designed for content creators and tutorials.

Multitasking, large screens, and seamless connectivity across devices

In a world where Android is no longer confined to mobile devices, Android 17 strengthens apps optimized for large screens and improves multitasking. Foldables, tablets, and laptops benefit from changes such as a new bubble bar in the taskbar, which displays recent apps more conveniently and allows users to switch between them quickly.

Desktop mode receives a significant boost with more sophisticated floating windows and interactive Picture-in-Picture, especially useful when the phone is connected to an external display. Foreground windows can remain on top and be interactive, bringing it closer to the experience of a classic desktop operating system.

Android 17 also introduces a Handoff API , allowing an app to resume work on another nearby device. This concept is reminiscent of Apple's seamless ecosystem: starting a task on your phone and continuing it on a tablet or other Android device without having to repeat steps. This is complemented by an improved contact selector that grants temporary access to specific fields, further enhancing privacy.

Proximity detection via Wi-Fi and other connection improvements help make task transfers between devices smoother . It seems that with Android 17 and "Aluminum OS," Google wants to make it less noticeable which device you're using and more seamless to maintain a consistent session.

Finally, Android 17 incorporates an EyeDropper API that allows you to capture colors from any pixel on the screen, which will be very useful for designers, content creators, or anyone who needs to replicate an exact color in different apps.

More user control: WiFi, data, blocked apps, and gallery

In everyday use, Android 17 also addresses small details that many users have been requesting for some time. Among them is the separation of Wi-Fi and mobile data controls in the quick settings , something that was previously combined and somewhat cumbersome for those who frequently switch between them. Although this change isn't fully confirmed in all builds, leaks suggest it will be part of the final version.

Another highly anticipated feature is native app locking , a feature many manufacturers already include in their custom interfaces and which Google is testing at the system level. The mechanism would be very simple: you press and hold an app icon to open the pop-up menu, and alongside options like uninstall or view widgets, you would see "lock app." Activating it would protect the app with a PIN, pattern, or password, preventing anyone from accessing WhatsApp, Gmail, or banking apps when you lend your phone.

In terms of the gallery, the third beta has added customization to the photo selector . You can now modify the grid's aspect ratio, switching from the default square format to a vertical one, which is especially convenient if you post a lot on social media and want to see more content at a glance.

There has also been talk of motion sickness assistance tools designed for those who get carsick while looking at their phones in motion, such as in a car or bus. The idea is to display a moving dot on the screen synchronized with the vehicle's swaying motion, helping to reduce nausea and discomfort. Although this feature is not yet confirmed for the stable version, it has appeared in leaks and aligns with Android 17's focus on accessibility.

In terms of organization, Google is working on a kind of smart "app library ," similar to iOS's, that will automatically categorize the apps on your home screen. For those whose home screen is a mess because all their new apps are added there, this could be a lifesaver for maintaining some order without having to rearrange each icon individually.

Camera and image improvements: 14-bit RAW and multimedia

Android 17 also brings new features designed for those who really push their cameras. While most current phones capture in 10- or 12-bit RAW, Android 17 allows for 14-bit RAW capture per pixel . This translates to greater color depth and a wider dynamic range, bringing the experience closer to that offered by professional DSLR cameras.

This improvement in RAW support opens the door to much finer editing in photo editing apps, allowing for the recovery of overexposed areas, the lifting of shadows, and much more precise color adjustments. Of course, taking full advantage of this will depend on manufacturers enabling this capability in their cameras and third-party apps adapting their workflows.

The system's camera app also receives smoother transitions between photo and video , avoiding stutters and brief pauses when switching between modes. These may seem like minor details, but they improve the overall feeling of polish when recording content on the go.

Combined with support for VVC (H.266) and consistent video quality, Android 17 positions itself as a very user-friendly version for creators and advanced users who want to get the most out of the phone's multimedia capabilities for more than just quick photos for social media.

Compatible devices: Pixel, Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and others

The first clear list of compatibility always comes from Google. Pixel phones are the first to test and receive Android 17 , both in beta and the stable version. Currently, compatible models cover a fairly wide range, from the Pixel 6 family to the Pixel 10 series, including foldable phones and tablets.

These include the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a; the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a; the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a; the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and 9a; the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold; as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet . These devices have been integrated into the Android Beta program to allow users to test preview versions, although it's always with the caveat that this is beta software, with potential bugs and the need to back up data before release.

Outside of the Google ecosystem, other manufacturers have begun to join the beta program. OnePlus has released Android 17 Beta 2 builds for the OnePlus 15 , OPPO has done the same with the Find X9 Pro, and realme with the GT 8 Pro, in all cases as developer-oriented software, with manual installation and very clear warnings about potential instabilities.

Motorola has opted to distribute the beta by region with limited slots , focusing on models like the Motorola Edge 2025 in the United States, and the Moto G57 and Moto G57 Power in Europe, India, and EMEA territories. Participation is managed through invitations and specific programs; it is not open to all users.

Looking ahead to the stable release, Samsung, Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, Nothing, Sony, and other major brands are expected to incorporate Android 17 into their custom interfaces. While no firm dates have been set, the most recent models (Galaxy S24, S25, S26, Fold7, Flip7, Xiaomi 17, 15, 14, and equivalents) are obvious candidates to receive the update in the early stages.

Android 17 and HyperOS 4: Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones

In the Xiaomi ecosystem, Android 17 doesn't arrive out of the box but integrated into HyperOS 4 , the interface the brand designed to unify its phones, tablets, and other connected devices. Just as with HyperOS 1, 2, and 3, Xiaomi will combine two Android bases: a newer one for its recent models and a slightly older one for devices it still wants to keep updated but that are now running on older hardware.

In HyperOS 4, this translates to one version based on Android 17 and another on Android 16. If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device doesn't meet the Android 17 criteria, it doesn't mean it will miss out on HyperOS 4; it will simply run on Android 16. This effectively grants it another year of support for the HyperOS interface, but marks the end of the road in terms of major Android version upgrades.

According to data from the AER (Android Enterprise Recommended) program and Xiaomi's EOL list, there are almost 100 Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO models that are expected to be able to update to Android 17 / HyperOS 4 . Among the Xiaomi products, notable families include the Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17 Ultra, 17 Ultra Leica, Leitzphone, 15, 15 Pro, 15 Ultra, 15S Pro, 15T, 15T Pro, 14, 14 Pro, 14 Ultra, 14T, 14T Pro, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 13T, 13T Pro, Civi 4 and 5 series, MIX Flip, MIX Flip 2, MIX Fold 3, MIX Fold 4, and a long list of tablets such as Pad 8, Pad 8 Pro, Pad 7, Pad 7 Pro, Pad 7 Ultra, Pad 7, 7S Pro 12.5, Pad 6S Pro 12.4, and Pad Mini.

On the Redmi side, the list is also extensive : the K90, K90 Pro Max, K80, K80 Pro, K80 Ultra, K70, K70E, K7 Ultra, and K60 Ultra families; the Turbo 5, 5 Max, 4, 4 Pro, and 3 series; the Redmi Note 15 and 14 ranges in their 4G, 5G, Pro, and Pro+ variants; the Redmi 15, 15 4G, and 15C in their multiple versions; the Redmi A5 4G; and a range of tablets such as the Redmi Pad 2, Pad 2 4G, Pad 2 Pro, Pad 2 Pro 5G, and Redmi K Pad.

As for POCO, updates are expected for models such as the POCO F8 Pro, F8 Ultra, F7, F7 Pro, F7 Ultra, F6, F6 Pro, X6 Pro, X7, X7 Pro, M8 5G, M8 Pro 5G, M7 4G, M7 5G, M7 Plus, C85 4G and 5G, C71, Pad M1, and Pad X1 . All of these should, in principle, be included in the HyperOS 4 plan based on Android 17, provided Xiaomi maintains the same roadmap and there are no last-minute changes.

Aside from those that are included, there are a dozen devices that will remain on HyperOS 4 based on Android 16 , marking the end of their journey in terms of major updates. These include the Redmi Note 14 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro 4G and 5G, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, Redmi 14C, Redmi 13, POCO M7 Pro 5G, POCO M6 Pro 4G, POCO X6 5G, and tablets such as the Redmi Pad Pro, Redmi Pad SE 8.7, and its 4G variant.

In the Xiaomi ecosystem, HyperOS 4 will be the layer that integrates Android 17 into the family of compatible devices, with the corresponding adaptation of functions and manufacturer support.

How to install Android 17 and test its betas

If you want to be among the first to try Android 17, Google is still running its public beta program . To access it from a compatible Pixel, simply go to the official page at google.com/android/beta, sign in with your Google account, and scroll down to the "Eligible devices" section. There you should see the devices you have linked that are eligible.

Once you see your phone, simply tap the "Participate" button under the device name to enroll it in the Android Beta program. From then on, the next time you check for updates from Settings > System > System update, the option to download and install the beta will appear. Even if you don't manually check for it, you'll usually receive a notification within a few minutes.

However, it's worth remembering that a beta version is still a test version : it may have unusual bugs, worse battery life than normal, or apps that don't work properly (mobile payments, banking, certain games, etc.). If this is your main phone for studying, working, or commuting, it might not be the best idea to play around with the beta version during the semester or in the middle of a work period.

To try Android 17 without risking your main phone, Google also offers system images and emulators in Android Studio, so developers and enthusiasts can experiment in a controlled environment. And, of course, it's always recommended to make a backup before switching, because leaving a beta version to return to a stable one almost always involves completely wiping your device.

When Android 17 is available in a stable version for your phone, the update will arrive like any other OTA update through the system settings. Simply accept the download, wait for it to install, and restart. For Pixel phones, this is expected to happen between June and July; for other manufacturers, it seems likely that you'll have to wait until the second half of the year or even the beginning of the next, depending on the brand.

With all the information that has been revealed through leaks, betas, and official announcements, Android 17 is shaping up to be both a transitional and a game-changer : a transition because it refines the foundation of security, performance, and compatibility with large screens compared to what we saw in Android 16; and a game-changer because it opens the door to merging with ChromeOS through "Aluminum OS," integrates Gemini's AI into the core of the system, dares to restrict APK installation freedom for security reasons, and puts much more emphasis on gaming, the camera, and cross-device productivity features. If Google delivers on its promises and manufacturers are quick with updates, we're going to see an Android that, more than just a mobile operating system, aspires to be the central hub of the entire ecosystem of devices we use every day.