All the Android 17 features Google already confirmed – and 4 I’m still hoping for

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ZDNET key takeaways

• Android 17 will drop someday in June 2026.
• This new launch is all about including polish.
• Listed below are identified, rumored, and wishlist options.

It is that point of 12 months when Android customers (and pundits) begin questioning what’s within the subsequent launch. Nicely, the excellent news is that Google has already introduced a number of the options, that are carry-overs from Android 16 QPR1 and Android 16 QPR2. This method implies that these options are in quarterly drops, usually focused at Pixel customers, and should finally attain different gadgets.

Let’s check out what Google has introduced, what’s rumored to be included, and what I might prefer to see in Android 17.

Google-announced options

In line with Android Authority, the next QPR1 carry-over options will discover their means into Android 17:

• Materials 3 Expressive for non-Pixel telephones.
• Desktop Mode will lastly show a taskbar and standing bar, and plenty of different options. There can even be customizable keyboard shortcuts when in desktop mode.
• Dwell Updates are able to displaying updates to real-time occasions, corresponding to ride-share arrivals and meals deliveries.
• Enhancements to Manufacturing unit Reset Safety that prohibit all performance on telephones and tablets which have been reset with out proprietor authorization.

So far as the QPR2 carry-over options, the checklist is a bit longer:

• Auto-themed icons
• Expanded darkish theme
• Low-light mode
• Enhanced HDR brightness
• Disable background blur
• 90:10 split-screen multitasking on telephones
• Constructed-in parental controls
• Identification Test will broaden to apps and watches
• Safe Lock System, which is a brand new system-level safety state
• The flexibility to disable the Failed Authentication Lock function
• Timezone change notification
• An up to date interface for sideloading apps
• GUI app help within the Linux Terminal

You may also count on enhanced help for mice and touchpads, together with refined three-finger contact controls, motion corners (assume Scorching Corners), enhancements to autoclick performance, mouse and touchpad acceleration, and a common cursor.

Rumored options

One of many greatest rumored adjustments I’ve heard whispered about in varied quiet corners of the online facilities on AI. 

Nokia Energy Consumer stories that Google may be planning so as to add extra native AI to Android gadgets (as an alternative of relying so closely on the cloud). However how would that change profit customers?

First, extra native AI might imply a bit extra privateness, as your knowledge will not must be despatched to cloud servers for processing. This method might additionally result in improved notification summaries, higher reply strategies, and much more offline AI performance.

The trade-off for customers might be sooner battery drain. Hopefully, to fight that problem, Google has one thing in retailer. 

Nokia Energy Consumer claims that Google might be including some new battery instruments, which might embody: 

• Battery long-term well being share.
• Smarter adaptive charging to scale back battery put on.
• Indication of which apps are quietly damaging battery lifespan.

One other publication, 9to5Google, means that Android 17 can also be rumored to incorporate enhancements to the notification system. One fascinating change would contain the way you entry notifications. The publication suggests accessing the Notification Shade might be carried out through a swipe down from the left aspect of the show, and accessing Fast Settings would require a top-right swipe down.

The identical article additionally suggests Google is rumored to be including a Cellular Information Fast Settings tile.

Synergy Labs has an fascinating rumor about “Min Mode,” which might permit apps to show their very own full-screen, ultra-low-power interfaces that present at-a-glance info, with out opening your system. This method can be a departure from the static At all times On Show that Android customers are accustomed to.

All apps that use Min Mode could have a restricted shade palette to stop further battery utilization.

In line with Dwell Mint, Android 17 may embody a refreshed digicam interface, extra expressive notification interactions, a resizable and magnifiable keyboard, and sooner entry to shortcuts and in-app instruments. 

Dwell Mint additionally speculates that Android 17 “might really feel like a brighter, extra expressive model of Android 16.” To that finish, they counsel the improve may embody smoother multitasking, extra reactive widgets, tighter privateness controls, higher battery optimizations, and extra Al options, all of which can contribute to longer runtimes and higher total system conduct.

What I might prefer to see

1. Notification Shade problem

One of many first issues I might prefer to see on Android 17 is not a brand new function however a repair for an issue that I’ve skilled on a number of events. Typically, when a name comes by means of on my Pixel 9 Professional, I am going to faucet Reply, and the Notification Shade comes down as an alternative, blocking me from with the ability to reply.

2. Improved sound management

Android sound management has at all times felt a bit chaotic. I’d mute the sound on my system, and but some sounds (corresponding to autoplay on web sites) will nonetheless play. I want to see Android 17 embody a “international sound mute” choice. Faucet the Fast Settings Tile, and all sound is routinely muted. Sure, you may arrange a Do Not Disturb for this problem, however I’ve skilled conditions the place sounds break by means of that barrier.

3. Selfie digicam entry

I place some apps inside Android’s non-public area as a result of I do not need folks to entry my communications. The one factor that is bothered me from day one in all that function is the shortcoming to make use of the selfie digicam. As an instance I place Zoom within the non-public area. If I take that method, I can solely use the front-facing digicam. I’d like to see Google add the flexibility to make use of the selfie digicam throughout the non-public area.

4. Customized junk

Merely put, I’d like it if information did not require personalization. Because it stands, I’ve many of the personalization bits turned off as a result of I like my privateness. Nonetheless, as I’ve taken this stance, it seems like Google is punishing me by displaying outdated or unimportant information in Google Uncover. There may be a serious headline that I miss, just because I do not need Google to have entry to all of my info.

This problem must be fastened. For example, if I take away all personalization, Google Uncover ought to default to main headlines. I also needs to be capable to outline the sources, after which the highest headlines from solely these sources will seem.

Anticipated launch date

Though there is not a agency date, it’s typically anticipated that Android 17 will drop in June 2026. In fact, the discharge will attain Pixel telephones first, after which roll out to different gadgets because the 12 months progresses.

I’ve to say that Android 17 does not have me almost as excited as Android 16. Nonetheless, getting some good old school polish for Materials Expressive will definitely be a welcome addition.