Android’s next major update is still months away, but leaks and early discoveries are already giving us a glimpse of what Android 17 could bring to the table. From visual refinements to privacy upgrades and productivity features, the upcoming version looks focused on polishing the Android experience rather than reinventing it.
Here’s everything we know so far about Android 17’s expected release date and expected features, and more
What’s New In Android 17 News And Updates: Codename, Key Specs And More
In the recent stream of updates, Android 17 is trending due to a significant revelation about its code name. Yes, code names, the special tags that Android versions get. And recently, the codename or the dessert name for Android 17 has also been revealed.
What Will Be The Codename For Android 17?
Well, just like Android 15 was named Vanilla Ice Cream, Android 16 was named Baklava, and the code name or dessert name for Android 17 is Cinnamon Bun. A sweet and gorgeous name for a power-packed and fun, and interactive OS, that’s what Android 17 has got under the hood.
Here’s a glance back at the codenames of earlier Android versions
| Android 11 | Red Velvet Cake |
| Android 12 | Snow Cone |
| Android 13 | Tiramisu |
| Android 14 | Upside Down Cake |
| Android 15 | Vanilla Ice Cream |
| Android 16 | Baklava |
| Android 17 | Cinnamon Bun |
But what will be the features of Android 17?
Well, here’s a list of exciting updates and features that this new Android will bring:
- Material 3 Expressive UI upgrade.
- Privacy features.
- Funky UI.
- Widgets and UI upgrades inspired by iOS.
- Better security upgrades.
- Long-lasting OS features.
- Developer enhancements.
- Enhanced API.
- AI integration.
- Better battery and power-efficient features.
We shall discuss these points in detail later inside this article, but first, let us know when will this OS come.
Android 17 Release Date: When Will It Launch?
Finally, Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 1 for Pixel devices. Google has implemented a Canary-first update strategy. This strategy delivers features earlier and aims for the stable version. This time, Google chose to bypass the Developer Preview release and directly move to the beta phase via the Canary channel.
What is Canary Strategy?
The Canary update strategy of Android aims to offer developers the latest Android updates as soon as they’re ready after passing internal testing. This strategy allows earlier delivery of the new features and APIs along with the creation of a more stable beta build. Canary update strategy allows developers to find bugs earlier and make decisions earlier in the process.
Android 17 Release Key Details
Android 17 Beta 1 was released in February 2026 for the supported Google Pixel devices like Pixel 6 and later. The main focus here is on early developer testing, performance improvement, and privacy. The final stable release is expected to come around June 2026.
Availability – It is currently available as a beta for developers and enthusiasts through the Android Beta Program.
Release Timeline – The first beta of it arrived in February 2026, and the official stable version is expected to come in Q2 2026.
Key Features – Android 17 Beta includes advanced protection for security, refined animations, a new permission manager, and improved tools for foldables and tablets.
Also Read: All The Motorola Phones That Will Get The Android 16 Update in 2025
All Features Of Android 17 Discussed: Find Out The Upgrades
Now, as we mentioned a glimpse into the features of Android 17, let us discuss them in detail, to get a better idea of what the ‘andro-users’ will get in their upcoming phones with this version coming up.
Material 3 Expressive UI
Material 3 Expressive UI is one of the best mobile UI upgrades, brought to us through Android 16 and Android 17. Google has confirmed that the first glimpse of this UI upgrade will be released in the upcoming Pixel phones, and then other prominent flagship phones will also have this.
Material 3 Expressive UI brings wallpaper-themed layouts, funky icons, more interactive widgets and notification panels, and many more exciting features to the table.
Desktop Mode
Android 16 introduced a new Desktop Mode, unveiled at last month’s Google I/O and available in the latest QPR Beta 2, initially for Pixel phones. Android 17 will take this feature’s lineage forward and enhance it.
The Desktop mode feature in Android 17 will let you connect your phone to a PC and fully mirror its UI, complete with a taskbar, time, battery, and network indicators. Using a mouse and keyboard, you can open apps from the app drawer or taskbar shortcuts and control everything as if using your phone directly. Unlike basic screen-cast or mirror-cast, Desktop Mode offers full interactivity, effectively blending mobile and PC accessibility. Wider rollout to other Android devices is expected soon.
iOS-Inspired Features For Privacy And Upgrades
Advanced third-party app restrictions, local network scans, app scans, and numerous other enhanced privacy upgrades will arrive with Android 17. As of now, evidently, iOS has had better privacy features and a more secure mobile ecosystem as compared to Android. But now, with Android 17, the iOS-inspired privacy features will be found in other phones as well.
Camera, Notifications And Keyboards Revamp
The camera UI of your phone, the notification panels, and the keyboards will revamp in the Android 17 version. Users will be able to magnify their keyboards, receive interactive notifications with more reaction options, and access additional interesting features in this OS.
API Enhancements
It will introduce Snadbox APIs, enhance API integration and credentials, and provide faster and better authentication, refined file integrity tools, and improved software push for phones and apps.
Also Read: Android 16 Vs iOS 26: Which OS Has The Better UI In 2025?
From Android 16 To Android 17: What Will The Users See?
Android users can expect their phones to feel fresher, brighter, and more fun with the arrival of Android 17.
Upgrading from Android 16 to Android 17, you might see a lot of new features. Your phone’s home screen will look more vibrant thanks to the upgraded Material 3 Expressive UI, think wallpaper-based themes, playful icons, and interactive widgets that respond to your touch.
Moreover, you will get more interactive widgets and some smooth functions helping you to multitask better. Just like the notifications, which will offer more ways to react, and keyboards will be easier to customise and magnify.
Android 16 obviously has a very advanced privacy and data-breach benchmark and restrictions, but Android 17 will be better. It will bring more with tighter app permissions and smarter network scans. Not to forget the desktop mode that will make your phone connect seamlessly with other devices and ensure top-notch multitasking. Apart from this, your phone’s battery life will stretch longer, and AI features will quietly make your phone more efficient.
5 Reasons Why Android 17 Is Worth Your Wait
We think that Android 17 is definitely worth the wait. With the recent updates and the hype of phones reaching new heights, the Android 17 release will definitely excite fans a lot.
Here are five reasons why Android 17 is worth the wait
- Reason 1: One of the Best UI upgrades
- Reason 2: It will come in the most premium flagship Android devices.
- Reason 3: The security upgrades and AI integration are exciting.
- Reason 4: The number of Android users is increasing.
- Reason 5: Faster upgrades and better warranty of smooth functions.
Also Read: What Is OpenAI GPT-OSS 20B And How Is It Different?
Android 17 Supported Devices
All Pixel devices – Pixel 6 to the latest Pixel 10 series will get the latest Android. Here are a few Android 17-supported devices.
- Pixel 10 Series: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9 Series: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a
- Pixel 8 Series: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a
- Pixel 6 Series: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
Google extended its support for Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel Fold for two years.
How to Install Android 17 Beta on Google Pixel?
Are you planning to install the Android 17 Beta on your Pixel devices? If yes, ensure to take a backup of the crucial apps, media, and documents, so if anything goes wrong during installation, your data remains safe.
Here are the steps that you need to follow.
- Visit the Android Beta Programme website.
- Sign in with your Google Account.
- Open the Settings app -> go to the Software Update
- If an update is available, the device will fetch it from the server and prompt you to download it.
- Go ahead and download and install the update.
In A Nutshell
While still early, Android 17 is shaping up to be a refinement-focused release that enhances design, privacy, productivity, and performance. Instead of dramatic changes, Google seems to be smoothing out the Android experience across devices and use cases.
If leaks hold true, Android 17 will be one of the most balanced and user-friendly Android updates when it launches in mid-2026.
Also Read: Chatgpt 5 vs Grok 4: Which Is The Smarter AI?
FAQs
What is the codename for Android 17?
Android 17’s codename is “Cinnamon Bun.” This follows the dessert naming tradition, like Vanilla Ice Cream for Android 15 and Baklava for Android 16.
When will Android 17 be released?
Android 17 is expected to launch between April and June 2026. However, the preview version may arrive by the end of 2025.
What is Material 3 Expressive UI?
Material 3 Expressive UI is a major visual upgrade that brings wallpaper-themed layouts, funky icons, and more interactive widgets. It makes your phone’s interface more vibrant and customizable.
What is Desktop Mode in Android 17?
Desktop Mode lets you connect your phone to a PC and fully mirror its interface with a taskbar and indicators. You can control your phone using a mouse and keyboard, offering full interactivity beyond basic screen mirroring.
What privacy features will Android 17 include?
Android 17 will bring iOS-inspired privacy features like advanced third-party app restrictions and local network scans. These upgrades aim to make Android’s ecosystem more secure.
What UI changes are coming in Android 17?
It will revamp camera UI, notification panels, and keyboards. Users will get magnifiable keyboards, interactive notifications with more reaction options, and improved overall design.
How is Android 17 different from Android 16?
Android 17 offers enhanced Material 3 UI, improved Desktop Mode, better privacy features, and longer battery life. It builds on Android 16’s foundation with more AI integration and smoother multitasking capabilities.
What is Android 17 Beta 1?
Android 17 Beta 1 is an early test version of Android 17 released for Pixel devices. It helps developers and users try new features before the final launch.
What is Google’s Canary update strategy?
The Canary strategy means Google releases Android updates earlier after internal testing. This helps developers test new features sooner and report bugs faster.
Why did Google skip the Developer Preview for Android 17?
Google directly moved to the beta stage using the Canary channel. This allows faster testing with a more stable beta build.
Which Pixel devices support Android 17 Beta 1?
Android 17 Beta 1 is available for Google Pixel 6 and newer devices. Older Pixel models are not supported.
When will the stable Android 17 version be released?
The final stable Android 17 version is expected around June 2026. It may arrive anytime in Q2 2026.
What are the key features in Android 17 Beta 1?
It includes better security protection, smoother animations, a new permission manager, and improved support for foldables and tablets.
How can I install Android 17 Beta on my Pixel phone?
You can install it through the Android Beta Program website. After enrolling, go to Settings → Software Update and download the update.
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