We are going to give you all the information about Android 17so you can learn about everything that Google’s next mobile operating system offers. For now, we are going to tell you everything we know at the moment, but between now and its launch we will update the article periodically to always keep it up to date.
As usual, the basic version of Android 17 will be the one that reaches Google’s Pixel phones, while then the rest of the manufacturers will adapt it with their customization layers, which may have additional functions. But we are going to focus on the base version of Android and what we know about its next version.
When do we expect Android 17 to be released
Google launched the first beta for developers of Android 17 last February. These are very unstable versions and not recommended for conventional users, and where visual innovations are gradually being implemented. The objective is to have the software base so that app developers have time to adapt them.
IF Google continues to maintain the accelerated pace launched in 2025, it is expected that the first public beta arrives in May 2026. It will be during Google I/O, the search engine company’s annual event, and these beta versions will already have the main visual novelties. They will launch successive versions where they implement the new features that are to come.
And then, The final version will begin to arrive between June and July for Pixel phones, which are always the first to update. Then, the rest of the manufacturers will adapt Android 17 to their customization layers and launch it on their devices between the second half of 2026 and the first half of 2027.
What news do we expect from Android 17
Let’s start by telling you what they are the confirmed news of Android 17. They will not be the only ones, nor will they be implemented at the same time in the betas. However, looking at the Canary versionswe know that Google prepare a before and after for the gamersin addition to the beginning of the end of Chrome OS to not have two operating systems, but one. Let’s talk to you about it.
‘Aluminum OS’ and the end of ChromeOS
The most disruptive novelty of Android 17 could be at its foundations, although has not yet been confirmed. This is a project with code name ‘Aluminum OS’which seeks to unify both mobile phones, tablets and laptops in the same operating system.
Google currently has two operating systems, Android for mobile phones, tablets, watches or cars, and Chrome OS for laptops and computers, although it focuses on the low ranges. Now what they want is have a single operating system that works for everythingand this would mean the disappearance of ChromeOS.
The idea with Aluminum OS is that Android can be used on both mobile and desktop. And when you use it on the desktop, it will have the interface of a full operating system. With this, Android will no longer only focus on mobile phones and tablets, but also on laptops and computers of all ranges.
Just like we have been learning in recent monthswith this Google wants to attack three different fronts:
- Unify resources having a single development: Google currently has two parallel developments, Android and Chrome OS. With this, all efforts are focused on a single development.
- Assault on the high ranges: Chromebooks with Chrome OS are mainly cheap entry-level laptops, and are used for browsing the Internet and not much else. But now, The leaks talk about premium devicesand that Google wants Android to be an option for high-end laptops.
- Gemini integrated into its core: We have also learned that Google wants to integrate Gemini into the bowels of its operating system, so that it can be used natively on laptops without further complications.
Here, what should be clear is that It is not yet confirmed that it will arrive on Android 17. It has been leaked that it is an ongoing development, but we do not know if it will arrive in the next version of its operating system or if it will be fully integrated or it will be a progressive integration. We will be attentive to new information.
This is the rest of the confirmed news
- Remapping of controls for gaming: Android 17 will bring very good news for gamers. The first is that there will be native support for button remapping, to be able to adapt the actions to the controllers and prevent the buttons from not doing what you want if you connect an Xbox or PlayStation controller.
- Virtual command function: It will allow you to translate touches on the screen into signals from a physical controller. With this, you will be able to use games that were designed only for touch screens with your favorite controller.
- Universal clipboard: Google prepares a system to copy and paste between mobile and PC, a universal clipboard. The great advantage of Apple is that what you copy on the Mac you can paste on the iPhone without doing anything, and vice versa. Google wants to have technology to do the same between Android and PC. This will allow for more fluidity between devices and put an end to one of the classic advantages of using Apple devices.
- AI built into the core with AppFunctions: AppFunctions a local framework which allows applications to expose their functions so that assistants like Gemini can execute them directly using natural language. This tool will allow AI to perform complex, multi-step tasks in the background within third-party apps.
- News in Material 3 Expressive: Google also adds new features to the design of Material 3 Expressive the Android interface. First, you will have a transparency effectsomething similar to Apple’s Liquid Glass. Thus, elements such as the volume bar will have a semi-transparency that allows the color underneath to pass through. It is also expected that all icons They must respect the accent color of the system.
- Separate controls for WiFi and data: As it has been filteredthere may be separate controls for WiFi and data in Android’s quick settings, although this has not been confirmed yet.
- Less freedom for the user: Google is going to change its freedom policy on Android. Until now, users could install any APK at their own risk, and this is going to change. With the justification of security, Google will require developers to verify their identity so that their APKs are installable, even if they are downloaded outside the app store. This will help combat malware, but it is also a blow to free stores like F-Droid and apps like emulators. This is something that deeply concerns the community.
- News from the first beta: The Android 17 betas bring new features such as better memory management and background processes to save battery and CPU, new fluid transitions in the camera between photo and video modes, blocking the sending of unencrypted network data by default, and new advanced cryptography standards. There are also tweaks to the design of brightness menus, new warnings in the shutdown menu, or a function to diagnose battery charging and cycles.
- News from the second beta: Security system against the hijacking of OTP codes, with a three-hour delay in accessing SMS with OTP for third-party applications other than the default messaging app.
Which phones will be compatible with Android 17
The first beta of Android 17 maintained the update cutoff on the Pixel 6, meaning that thanks to this we already know which Google phones will be able to update to the new version of the operating system. They are the following:
The rest of compatible mobile phones will depend on each manufacturer.. Possibly in the second half of the year we will begin to receive the official lists of the rest of compatible phones, although it is logical to think that if yours is one or two years old you will surely receive the update. Even so, we will specify later.
In recent years Samsung has been one of the fastest manufacturers to adopt the new version of Android beyond Google, so it should not take long with respect to the Pixel. But we still don’t know specific dates
How you can install Android 17
If you want to update your Android to its beta versionyou have to enter the website google.com/android/beta. In it, go down to the section Devices eligible for the programwhere the mobile phone that you have compatible with the beta will appear. Here, press the button Participate that will appear below the device to enroll it in the beta program.
Once you have done, simply check for new system updates on your mobilethe one you have enrolled. When you do, you will see the possibility to update appear. If you don’t look for it, you should also receive the beta in a few minutes.
To update to the final version of Android 17 You won’t have to do much. Once this update arrives on your device, it will go to the phone settings and you can install it from there. Then you will restart and that’s it.
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