Android 17, the latest version of Google's mobile operating system, is now available on Pixel devices, with other Android devices to follow throughout 2026.

The update's most notable new feature is multitasking bubbles, which let you turn any app into a compact, floating window that can overlay over other apps. On devices with larger screens, these bubbles are docked in a dedicated bubble bar at the bottom of the display, allowing you to switch between apps more easily with a single tap, similar to a desktop operating system. The new system seems to work a lot like multitasking in iPadOS and desktop operating systems like macOS and Windows 11.

Gemini Intelligence, Google's upcoming agentic AI platform, doesn't seem to be ready for prime time yet, though. The tech giant says that it will launch "later this summer" on "select advanced devices."

A new foldable phone gaming mode turns the bottom screen into a touchscreen controller

There are several safety-related updates, too

Other new features include Screen Reactions, which lets you record yourself using your device's selfie camera while capturing your phone's screen at the same time. It basically looks like a more straightforward way to create reaction-style social media videos.

There's also a new foldable gaming mode on the way that takes full advantage of the extra display space, giving you a game view on the top screen and a gamepad on the bottom display. Google says this feature isn't available right now but that it will arrive in the coming months. Sticking with gaming, Google says that it has improved frame drops and stutters by making memory cleanup more efficient for high-end gaming.

On the safety side, it's now possible to grant apps temporary access to your location or to share specific contacts with devices rather than your entire address book. You can now also mark items as lost in the Find Hub, allowing you to lock your missing phone with your biometrics. Google says that Live Thread Detection is now better at blocking suspicious apps and scams, too. Other new features include additional parental controls, a dedicated volume control for assistants, extra control over the OS' new dark theme, and more.

Android 17 runs on the Pixel 6 and up. To download the update, head to Settings > System > Software Updates.

Along with Android 17, Google has also dropped Wear OS 7. The wearable operating system update includes live updates, widget creation, multistep app automation with Gemini, battery life improvements, and more.