Following four betas, Google is ready to launch Android 17 for Pixel devices. There are a handful of big additions and changes, while today’s release coincides with the June 2026 Pixel (Feature) Drop.
Like last year, this update is arriving before the historic fall window as part of Google’s new release cadence. The biggest user-facing addition in Android 17 is the ability to Bubble any application. A similar capability was previously reserved for message conversations. Long-press any app on your homescreen and tap the new button in the top-left corner to get a chat head-style icon that you can move around and drag down to close. A Bubble Bar in the bottom-right corner is available for large screen devices.
Handy for travel, entertainment and work, Bubbles lets you easily reference notes or maps, watch tutorials and even check sports. It keeps everything you need in reach but out of the way.
A small but nice addition in Wallpaper & style > Icons > Names is “Show app names” to hide labels on your homescreen.
Android 17 implements app memory limits “to ensure apps never use too much RAM” for improved device performance and to help preserve battery.
