The wait is over as Android 17 officially rolls out today, hitting Pixel phones first with additional features that weren’t previously revealed at Google I/O 2026 or The Android Show: I/O Edition. Eligible Pixel devices will be the first to experience the upgrade, followed by a broader rollout to other compatible devices throughout the year.
Gemini Intelligence was one of the biggest reveals, though users will have to wait a smidge longer to access it, with a rollout slated for later this summer. Even without it, the Android 17 update is packed with plenty of new features to tide people over. Pixel owners are also getting a double dose of updates today, courtesy of the June 2026 Pixel Drop and new optimizations landing on Wear OS 7.
Here's everything you need to know about Google’s latest ecosystem upgrades.
More new features with Android 17
Android 17 is officially rolling out to Pixel devices first, with this update introducing massive productivity, gaming, and security overhauls. Here's all the new Android 17 features you can expect to tap into after installing the update.
- Bubbles: If you're a power multitasker, then you'll love the Bubbles feature in Android 17 that allows you to turn any app into a compact, floating window. It's the alternative to simply closing an app and going back to it because Bubbles on larger screen devices will show up as at the bottom of the screen for easier access.
- Screen Reactions: This one's really helpful for users who love to record themselves because Screen Reactions revamps the screen-recording toolbar to let you capture your device's display and your selfie camera simultaneously.
- Foldable Gaming Mode: Gamers who prefer on-screen controls can now opt for a virtual, on-screen gamepad they can use with the new foldable gaming mode specifically for devices like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. When enabled you get a dedicated 50/50 layout with the game on top and controls on the bottom.
- Biometric "Mark as Lost": It's nerve wrecking when you lose your phone, but the new "Mark as Lost" feature with Android 17 can let you lock it using your biometrics via the Find Hub. Even if a thief knows your passcode, they can't access your data or disable tracking.
- Granular Privacy & Anti-Theft: You can now grant apps temporary access to your precise location or share specific contacts rather than your whole book. Additional options like PIN guess limits and longer wait times have been added to stop brute-force entry.
June 2026 Pixel feature drop
Google's known for frequently releasing Pixel Feature Drops throughout the year, and its June 2026 one is no exception. The latest update is packed with new AI features, creation tools, and global expansions for supported Pixel phones, tablets, and watches. Here's just some of the most popular features coming out.
- Gemini Omni: For Gemini Pro users, you can now type a text prompt into the Gemini app to generate a custom, high-quality video by just telling it what you want.
- Lyria 3: Create original tracks from scratch. Just prompt Gemini with text or images, customize the vocals, style, and tempo, and share the track.
- Conversational Editing: Pixel users in Germany, the U.K., France, Spain, and Italy can now execute complex, multi-step photo edits simply by talking to their phones.
- AirDrop expanded support: Android Quick Share expands its cross-platform capabilities, allowing Pixel 8a and 9a users to easily share files globally with AirDrop-enabled devices.
- Ecosystem Emergency Detection: Select Pixel watches (from Pixel Watch 2 to 4) now integrate Emergency Sharing directly into Car Crash, Fall, and Loss of Pulse detection, automatically alerting emergency services and custom contacts if a severe event happens.
Refreshes your wrist with Wear OS 7
Rounding out the massive wave of updates is Wear OS 7, which officially begins its rollout to eligible Pixel Watch devices today. This latest wearable platform update prioritizes seamless cross-device utility and smarter, real-time tracking directly on your wrist. There's also new personalized help features with Gemini Intelligence, which will be coming later.
- Live Updates: Never miss a moment like the score of a World Cup game or waiting on an Uber ride with Live Updates that give you glanceable, real time details directly from your watch face.
- Cross-Device Control: Manage media playback across headphones or home speakers with a new media output switcher. For example, you can preview photos taken on a pair of smart glasses right from your wrist.
- Battery Boost: Deep, system-level power optimizations will give users upgrading from Wear OS 6 up to a 10% bump in battery life.
- Gemini Intelligence: Later this year, select Wear OS 7 devices will get a massive upgrade courtesy of Gemini Intelligence, transforming your smartwatch into a deeply personalized AI assistant. You'll be able to use natural language to build custom dashboards through Create My Widget.
