Cinnamon Bun, making the new operating system available first to Pixel devices. The update introduces significant features aimed at improving user experience, security, and multitasking capabilities across Android smartphones and foldables.
Who Gets It First
The first completed version of Android 17 is now rolling out to Google Pixel 10 smartphones and other Pixel devices. Major manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi are expected to release the update for their devices over the coming months. Users can check their device eligibility to see if their phone will receive the upgrade.
Multitasking Gets a Serious Upgrade
Android 17 introduces app bubbles
, which let you move almost any app into a smaller, floating window. This enables seamless multitasking, supporting transitions between up to five applications simultaneously. On foldable devices, these bubbles appear in a dedicated bar at the bottom of the screen.
Gaming enthusiasts using foldables will appreciate a new gaming mode that transforms the device into a Nintendo DS-like setup. The top half displays the game while the bottom acts as a precise gamepad, perfect for extended play sessions.
Security Gets Stronger
Security enhancements are central to Android 17. You now have granular control over location sharing, with the ability to specify which apps can access your location and for how long. A blue dot indicator will appear on your device when location is actively being shared, helping you catch unauthorized access.
A new lost device feature lets you mark your phone as lost, preventing unlocking and automatically deleting data from Google Wallet while blocking access to personal data and settings. This provides critical protection if your device goes missing.
How to Update Your Device
For Pixel users: Navigate to System then Software Update then System Update on your device to check for the update. The rollout is happening now, so you may already have it available.
For other manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi, and other Android partners will roll out Android 17 over the next few months as they adapt the new version for their specific models.
If you have an older device that no longer receives regular updates, unfortunately it won’t be compatible with Android 17. You can check your device’s update eligibility to confirm.
While Pixel users are already experiencing the new features, the broader Android community has a phased rollout ahead. This approach ensures stability across different devices, but it does mean a waiting period for some users. Check back in the coming weeks if the update isn’t available on your device yet.
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