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

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET

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ZDNET key takeaways

• Android 17 will drop sometime in June 2026.
• This new release is all about adding polish.
• Listed here are known, rumored, and wishlist features.

It’s that time of year when Android users (and pundits) start wondering what’s in the next release. Well, the good news is that Google has already announced some of the features, which are carry-overs from Android 16 QPR1 and Android 16 QPR2. This approach means that these features are in quarterly drops, often targeted at Pixel users, and may eventually reach other devices.

Also: I changed 10 settings on my Pixel phone to instantly improve the user experience

Let’s take a look at what Google has announced, what is rumored to be included, and what I’d like to see in Android 17.

Google-announced features

According to Android Authority, the following QPR1 carry-over features will find their way into Android 17:

• Material 3 Expressive for non-Pixel phones.
• Desktop Mode will finally display a taskbar and status bar, and many other features. There will also be customizable keyboard shortcuts when in desktop mode.
• Live Updates are capable of displaying updates to real-time events, such as ride-share arrivals and food deliveries.
• Improvements to Factory Reset Protection that restrict all functionality on phones and tablets that have been reset without owner authorization.

Also: This hidden Pixel camera setting makes my photos absolutely pop – here’s how

As far as the QPR2 carry-over features, the list is a bit longer:

• Auto-themed icons
• Expanded dark theme
• Low-light mode
• Enhanced HDR brightness
• Disable background blur
• 90:10 split-screen multitasking on phones
• Built-in parental controls
• Identity Check will expand to apps and watches
• Secure Lock Device, which is a new system-level security state
• The ability to disable the Failed Authentication Lock feature
• Timezone change notification
• An updated interface for sideloading apps
• GUI app support in the Linux Terminal

Also: Two new Android 16 security features protect you better – how to switch them on now

You can also expect enhanced support for mice and touchpads, including refined three-finger touch controls, action corners (think Hot Corners), improvements to autoclick functionality, mouse and touchpad acceleration, and a universal cursor.

Rumored features

One of the biggest rumored changes I’ve heard whispered about in various quiet corners of the web centers on AI. 

Nokia Power User reports that Google might be planning to add more local AI to Android devices (instead of relying so heavily on the cloud). But how would that change benefit users?

Also: I replaced Google Chrome with a free local browser on my Pixel, and I’d pay good money for it

First, more local AI could mean a bit more privacy, as your data won’t have to be sent to cloud servers for processing. This approach could also lead to improved notification summaries, better reply suggestions, and even more offline AI functionality.

The trade-off for users could be faster battery drain. Hopefully, to combat that issue, Google has something in store. 

Nokia Power User claims that Google will be adding some new battery tools, which could include: 

• Battery long-term health percentage.
• Smarter adaptive charging to reduce battery wear.
• Indication of which apps are quietly damaging battery lifespan.

Also: My top 6 open-source Android apps from the Google Play Store – and why that’s important

Another publication, 9to5Google, suggests that Android 17 is also rumored to include improvements to the notification system. One interesting change would involve how you access notifications. The publication suggests accessing the Notification Shade will be done via a swipe down from the left side of the display, and accessing Quick Settings will require a top-right swipe down.

The same article also suggests Google is rumored to be adding a Mobile Data Quick Settings tile.

Synergy Labs has an interesting rumor about “Min Mode,” which would allow apps to display their own full-screen, ultra-low-power interfaces that provide at-a-glance information, without opening your device. This approach would be a departure from the static Always On Display that Android users are accustomed to.

All apps that use Min Mode will have a restricted color palette to prevent extra battery usage.

Also: The secrets that make Pixel 10 Pro the world’s smartest phone camera – from inside Google

According to Live Mint, Android 17 might include a refreshed camera interface, more expressive notification interactions, a resizable and magnifiable keyboard, and faster access to shortcuts and in-app tools. 

Live Mint also speculates that Android 17 “may feel like a brighter, more expressive version of Android 16.” To that end, they suggest the upgrade might include smoother multitasking, more reactive widgets, tighter privacy controls, better battery optimizations, and additional Al features, all of which will contribute to longer runtimes and better overall device behavior.

What I’d like to see

1. Notification Shade issue

One of the first things I’d like to see on Android 17 isn’t a new feature but a fix for a problem that I’ve experienced on several occasions. Sometimes, when a call comes through on my Pixel 9 Pro, I go to tap Answer, and the Notification Shade comes down instead, blocking me from being able to answer.

2. Improved sound control

Android sound control has always felt a bit chaotic. I might mute the sound on my device, and yet some sounds (such as autoplay on websites) will still play. I would like to see Android 17 include a “global sound mute” option. Tap the Quick Settings Tile, and all sound is automatically muted. Yes, you can set up a Do Not Disturb for this issue, but I’ve experienced situations where sounds break through that barrier.

3. Selfie camera access

I place some apps within Android’s private space because I don’t want people to access my communications. The one thing that’s bothered me from day one of that feature is the inability to use the selfie camera. Let’s say I place Zoom in the private space. If I take that approach, I can only use the front-facing camera. I would love to see Google add the ability to use the selfie camera within the private space.

4. Personalized junk

Simply put, I would love it if news didn’t require personalization. As it stands, I have most of the personalization bits turned off because I like my privacy. However, as I’ve taken this stance, it feels like Google is punishing me by displaying old or unimportant news in Google Discover. There might be a major headline that I miss, simply because I don’t want Google to have access to all of my information.

Also: Google quietly confirms ChromeOS-Android merger – here’s what it means for you

This issue needs to be fixed. For instance, if I remove all personalization, Google Discover should default to major headlines. I should also be able to define the sources, and then the top headlines from only those sources will appear.

Expected release date

Although there isn’t a firm date, it is generally expected that Android 17 will drop in June 2026. Of course, the release will reach Pixel phones first, and then roll out to other devices as the year progresses.

I have to say that Android 17 doesn’t have me nearly as excited as Android 16. However, getting some good old-fashioned polish for Material Expressive will certainly be a welcome addition.