The 9 biggest new features in Android 17

Would it shock you to hear that Android 17 is filled with new AI-enabled features, like improved dictation and vibe-coded widgets? Fortunately, that’s not all. The platform is getting non-AI updates too, from an emoji overhaul to a new screentime tool that helps you avoid distracting apps.

The 9 biggest new features in Android 17

New emoji, AI widgets, and AirDrop for (almost) everyone.

Google has just revealed the biggest changes coming in its next OS update as part of its dedicated Android Show, ahead of next week’s big I/O developer conference. The Android software updates came alongside a tease of upcoming Android-powered Googlebook laptops and a host of Android Auto updates. Here are all the new updates that matter and when you can expect them to arrive on your phone.

All-new emoji

Google has overhauled Android’s emoji set — all 4,000 of them. The new emoji are a little more three-dimensional, with depth and detail lacking in the cartoonish versions they’re replacing. The new emoji will arrive on Pixel phones first, later this year.

Pause Point

This is Google’s latest attempt to inject a little extra digital well-being into the Android experience. Once you label certain apps as “distracting,” Pause Point will pop up anytime you try to open one. It won’t stop you using the app, but it will make you wait through a 10-second timer, with prompts to try breathing exercises or open a more productive app instead. It’ll take a full phone restart to turn Pause Point off.

Screen Reactions

Google is rolling out Screen Reactions, which lets you record video from your selfie camera and what’s on your screen at the same time, all “in just a few taps.” You can record any onscreen content — photos, videos, webpages, and more — and you’ll appear as a cutout in front of it. Screen Reactions will launch on Pixel phones first, sometime this summer.

Even more AirDrop

Google says support for Quick Share will roll out more widely this year, including to phones from Xiaomi, Honor, and OnePlus. For phones that aren’t compatible, Google is adding the ability to use Quick Share to generate a QR code that iPhone users will be able to scan to receive a file directly to their iCloud storage. Later this year, Google says it will add Quick Share and AirDrop support directly into certain apps, including WhatsApp.

Easier switching from iPhone

Google and Apple have been working together on easier ways to switch platforms. Android 17 will support a new wireless way to transfer files, contacts, messages, homescreen layouts, and eSIMs from an iPhone to an Android device. Google says support will finally arrive this year, starting with Pixel and Galaxy phones.

Rambler

Rambler is a smart real-time transcription tool under the “Gemini Intelligence” brand. It will not only cut out filler words like “um” or “ah” from your speech, but will also make your message more concise and correct any errors. It can also switch between multiple languages in the same message.

AI-generated widgets

Create My Widget lets you build custom homescreen widgets from natural language. Google suggests a meal planner that recommends protein-heavy recipes or a weather widget for cyclists that prioritizes wind speed. This will come to select Galaxy and Pixel phones this summer.

Gemini automation

Task Automation is getting expanded support for new apps. Google suggests Gemini will be able to order groceries from a shopping list in your notes app or plan a travel itinerary based on a photograph. Chrome auto browse will also come to Android in late June, while Gemini will appear in Autofill to help you complete forms faster.

More security features

Android 17 includes a new collaboration with certain banks to block calls spoofing their number. Improved malware detection will scan app behavior for suspicious activity like SMS forwarding. There are also new protections for when your phone gets stolen: you’ll be able to enable biometric protection remotely when you mark your phone as lost in Find Hub.