Just installed Android 17 and wondering which new feature deserves your attention first?

Android 17 new features bring smarter multitasking, stronger privacy controls, and better security to supported phones. Google has also added useful tools such as app bubbles, Handoff and Advanced Protection Mode, which users can explore after installing the update.

Android 17 new features bring better multitasking, stronger privacy, improved security and smoother connections between devices. Google released Android 17 on 16 June 2026 for most supported Pixel devices, while more phones are expected to receive the update in the coming months. You can explore the complete list of changes on the official Android 17 features page.

However, not every feature will appear on every phone immediately. Some tools require developer support, compatible hardware or a later manufacturer update. Even so, several additions can improve the way you use your Android phone every day.

Here are the Android 17 features worth trying first.

Android 17 New Features at a Glance

1. Turn Apps Into Floating Bubbles

One of the most useful new features in Android 17 is expanded support for app bubbles.

Earlier Android versions mainly used bubbles for messaging conversations. Android 17 takes the idea further by allowing users to turn supported apps into floating bubbles. Therefore, you can keep an app open above another task without repeatedly opening the recent apps screen.

For example, you may keep a calculator, notes app or messaging service floating while browsing a website.

To try it:

1. Long-press a supported app icon.
2. Look for the bubble or floating-window option.
3. Tap the option to place the app above your current screen.
4. Drag the bubble to move it around the display.

The exact wording may differ depending on your phone manufacturer. Moreover, some apps may need an update before the feature becomes available.

Google says Android 17 expands app bubbles beyond messaging and brings the feature to phones, foldables and tablets.

2. Continue Tasks With Android Handoff

Handoff is designed to make switching between Android devices easier.

The feature allows you to begin an activity on one Android device and continue it on another nearby device. For instance, you could start reading an article on your phone and continue it on a tablet without searching for the page again.

Available activities may appear in areas such as the launcher or taskbar on the receiving device. However, app developers must add support before their apps can use the feature.

To prepare for Handoff:

1. Sign in to the same Google account on both devices.
2. Enable Bluetooth and nearby-device permissions.
3. Keep both devices updated.
4. Check the launcher or taskbar for a continuation prompt.

Handoff may become more useful as additional Android applications adopt it.

3. Enable Advanced Protection Mode

Security-conscious users should check Android Advanced Protection Mode first.

This optional setting applies a stronger collection of security protections across the device. It can block app installations from unknown sources, restrict USB data connections and require Google Play Protect scanning.

As a result, the feature can reduce the risk of malicious apps, physical attacks and unsafe USB accessories. Google has particularly designed it for people who may face sophisticated security threats, although any user can benefit from stronger protection.

Look for the feature under:

Settings > Security and privacy > Advanced Protection

The final location may vary by phone. Before enabling it, remember that some sideloaded apps and USB accessories may stop working as expected.

4. Share Only the Contacts an App Needs

Android 17 introduces a more private Contact Picker.

Previously, many apps requested permission to read an entire address book even when they only needed one phone number or email address. The new Contact Picker lets you select the exact contacts and information you want to share.

Therefore, an app can receive access to one selected phone number without viewing everyone else in your contacts.

When a compatible app asks for contact information:

1. Choose the new contact-selection option.
2. Select only the required person.
3. Review the phone number or email address being shared.
4. Confirm your selection.

The Android Contact Picker supports search, multiple selections and different user profiles while avoiding broad access to the complete contact list.

5. Adjust Assistant Volume Separately

Android 17 adds a dedicated volume stream for digital assistants.

In older versions, assistant responses could use the same volume level as music, videos or other media. Consequently, lowering a loud video could also make an assistant difficult to hear.

Android 17 separates these controls. You can reduce media volume while keeping assistant responses audible. Alternatively, you can mute the assistant without affecting music playback.

To test it:

1. Start your preferred assistant.
2. Press a volume button while it responds.
3. Open the expanded volume panel.
4. Adjust the assistant and media sliders separately.

The control may only appear when a compatible assistant is active.

6. Check Smarter Live Update Notifications

Live Updates become more useful in Android 17.

These notifications can show the progress of time-sensitive activities, including deliveries, journeys and navigation. Android 17 adds semantic colour support, which helps applications communicate warning, success or urgent information more clearly.

For example, a delivery notification could highlight a delay differently from an on-time status. However, developers must update their apps to use the new colour system.

After installing Android 17, update apps such as:

• Food delivery services
• Ride-hailing apps
• Navigation tools
• Travel applications
• Sports and event apps

Then check whether their ongoing notifications provide clearer progress information.

7. Try Improved Multitasking on Tablets and Foldables

Android 17 places a stronger focus on adaptive apps and large screens.

Applications targeting the new version must work more consistently across different display sizes. On tablets and foldable phones, apps should resize more naturally instead of remaining locked to a narrow phone-shaped layout.

Google has also removed certain developer options that previously allowed apps to avoid orientation and resizing changes on large screens.

To test the improvement:

1. Open an app on a tablet or unfolded device.
2. Place it beside another app.
3. Resize the window.
4. Rotate the screen.
5. Check whether content adjusts without becoming cropped.

Older apps may still behave differently until their developers release compatible updates.

8. Use Desktop Picture-in-Picture

Android 17 improves desktop-style multitasking with interactive Picture-in-Picture support.

Instead of keeping a video in a simple floating window, compatible apps can provide more useful controls while you work in another window. This feature should be particularly helpful on tablets, foldables and Android devices using desktop mode.

You may be able to pause media, move through content or interact with the floating window without returning to the full app.

Desktop Picture-in-Picture availability depends on your device and app support. Therefore, check video and communication applications after updating them through Google Play.

9. Look for Better App Stability

Some Android 17 improvements work quietly in the background.

The system introduces app memory limits based on the amount of RAM available on a device. These limits aim to prevent one poorly optimised application from consuming excessive memory and affecting the entire phone.

Developers also receive better tools for identifying slow launches, excessive processor use, memory errors and other performance problems.

Users may notice:

• Fewer system slowdowns
• Better memory management
• Reduced app crashes
• More consistent multitasking
• Improved behaviour on lower-memory phones

However, the result will depend on how quickly developers optimise their apps for Android 17.

10. Try Apps Over Satellite Connections

Android 17 improves support for constrained satellite networks.

Satellite connections often provide less bandwidth and higher delays than Wi-Fi or mobile data. Android can now help compatible apps adjust their behaviour when they detect this type of network.

For example, an application may reduce large downloads, delay background syncing or send smaller amounts of data.

Google notes that the underlying support first became available through an Android 16 quarterly update and remains part of the Android 17 platform experience.

The feature requires a compatible phone, supported network and available satellite service. Therefore, most users will not see an immediate setting for it.

11. Benefit From More Private Internet Connections

Android 17 adds platform support for Encrypted Client Hello.

When an app connects to a website or online service, parts of the connection process may reveal the domain being accessed. Encrypted Client Hello helps hide this information from network intermediaries.

Consequently, internet providers or people controlling a network may find it more difficult to identify the specific domains an application is contacting.

The feature depends on support from apps, networking libraries, and online services. Therefore, you may benefit from it without switching on a visible setting.

12. Explore Android’s Smarter AI Integrations

Android 17 begins Google’s transition from a traditional operating system towards what it calls an “intelligence system.”

The update expands AppFunctions, which allow compatible applications to make certain actions available to AI assistants. For example, an assistant could use an app’s supported function to create a note or complete another task with the user’s permission.

However, these experiences depend heavily on developers adding AppFunctions to their apps. They may also vary according to device, language and region.

After updating, keep Gemini and your regularly used apps current to receive new integrations when they become available.

Which Phones Support Android 17?

Android 17 became available for most supported Google Pixel devices in June 2026. Google also announced Android 17 beta availability across selected devices from brands including Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, vivo and Xiaomi.

Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi and other manufacturers may distribute stable updates according to their own schedules. In addition, each company may change feature names or exclude tools that depend on specific hardware.

To check your phone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System or Software update.
3. Tap Check for updates.
4. Download the update when it becomes available.
5. Back up important files before installation.

For more Android coverage, visit the Mobile Verse Android section.

What Should You Try First?

The best feature depends on how you use your device.

If you regularly multitask, begin with app bubbles and improved window controls. Meanwhile, privacy-focused users should test the Contact Picker and Advanced Protection Mode.

Users with several Android devices should watch for Handoff support. Tablet and foldable owners will probably notice the largest visual improvements because Android 17 places a major focus on adaptable layouts.

Final Thoughts

Android 17 new features focus on practical improvements rather than a complete redesign.

App bubbles can make multitasking faster, while Handoff may eventually create a smoother experience across phones and tablets. At the same time, Advanced Protection Mode and the Contact Picker give users more control over security and personal data.

Some features require compatible apps, hardware or manufacturer support. Therefore, update your applications after installing Android 17 and check the settings menu for newly added controls.

Google officially released Android 17 for supported Pixel devices in June 2026, with more compatible phones expected to follow.

Keep checking Mobile Verse for Android updates, smartphone guides and the latest mobile technology news.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Android 17 new features?

The most useful additions include app bubbles, Handoff, Advanced Protection Mode, the Contact Picker, separate assistant volume and improved large-screen multitasking.

Is Android 17 officially available?

Yes. Google released Android 17 on 16 June 2026 for most supported Pixel devices. Availability on other brands depends on each manufacturer’s update schedule.

How do I install Android 17?

Open Settings, select System or Software update and tap Check for updates. The wording may differ depending on your phone manufacturer.

Does Android 17 support Samsung phones?

Compatible Samsung phones are expected to receive Android 17 through a future One UI update. However, availability depends on the model, country and Samsung’s rollout schedule.

What is Android 17 Handoff?

Handoff lets a compatible app activity move from one nearby Android device to another. App developers must support the feature before users can access it.

Is Android 17 more secure?

Yes. Android 17 introduces Advanced Protection Mode, which can block unknown app installations, restrict USB data access and require Play Protect scanning.

Will every Android 17 phone get all features?

No. Some features depend on phone hardware, manufacturer software, region and application support.