Android 17 lands on Google Pixel 6 and newer, also introduces foldable gaming mode
Together with Wear OS 7, Google also released Android 17 today for Pixel smartphones starting with the Google Pixel 6. In addition to the general new features of Android 17, Pixel devices will receive a few additional features via the June 2026 Feature Drop. As usual, it will likely take a few days for the update to become available to all users of compatible smartphones.
Gemini Intelligence, the AI assistant capable of performing tasks autonomously, is scheduled to be released later this summer. Android 17 introduces a new gaming mode for foldable smartphones like the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold ($1,499 on Amazon), in which one half of the display acts as a virtual gamepad, while the other half can be partially folded for better ergonomics, giving the device a form factor reminiscent of handhelds like the Nintendo DS. Android 17 is also expected to improve the gaming performance.
A new feature called "Screen Reactions" lets you overlay a selfie video on a screen recording to quickly react to images or videos online and share that reaction on social media. Google has improved its security features so that, for example, you can grant an app access only to selected contacts instead of your entire address book, while your precise location can be shared only for a limited time.
Pixel smartphones also gain the ability to create or edit videos using Gemini Omini via voice prompts. Gemini can now also generate songs based on a description. Multitasking is enhanced by “Bubbles” – app icons can float in the foreground on the screen, allowing for quick access to these apps at any time.
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