Google has begun pushing Android 17 to its Pixel smartphone lineup, releasing the update alongside the June Pixel Drop and a simultaneous Wear OS 7 rollout for Pixel Watch models. The update brings a mix of productivity, security, and AI-powered features, though the most advanced Gemini Intelligence capabilities are being held back for a later rollout later this summer.
What's New on Pixel Phones
Android 17 introduces a range of new productivity, gaming and security features for Pixel users. The update is designed to improve multitasking, content creation, privacy controls and call management, with several additions tailored for foldable devices and Indian users.
Key features:
Bubbles: Turn any app into a floating window for easier multitasking, especially on foldables and tablets.
Screen Reactions: Record your screen with a selfie-video overlay without using third-party apps.
Gaming Mode for Foldables: Offers a split-screen layout for gameplay and controls, along with improved frame-rate stability.
Enhanced Security: Adds temporary location access, selective contact sharing, and stronger device protection and threat detection tools.
Manual Call Screen (India): Lets users screen unknown callers before answering, a feature previously available only in select markets.
Gemini AI Additions
The Gemini app on Pixel devices gains two notable capabilities with this update. Users can now generate videos using the Gemini Omni model, starting from scratch, remixing existing photos and videos from their camera roll, or working from templates. Custom AI avatar creation is also supported. Separately, Gemini can now generate original music tracks based on text descriptions or images, with lyrics included.
However, the more advanced Gemini Intelligence features, including multi-step app automation and Auto Browse in Chrome, will not arrive with this initial release. Google said these will roll out to supported Pixel devices later this summer. Additional features including Create My Widget, Intelligent Autofill, and Rambler in Gboard are also expected later in the year.
Wear OS 7 for Pixel Watch
Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 models are simultaneously receiving Wear OS 7, which brings Live Updates, real-time information such as sports scores, delivery tracking, and workout data displayed directly on the watch face. Cross-device controls have been expanded to cover headphones, speakers, smart TVs, and AI glasses. Google is also claiming up to 10 per cent better battery life compared to Wear OS 6. Gemini Intelligence on Wear OS 7 will similarly follow later this summer.
Eligible Devices and How to Update
Android 17 is available for Pixel 6 through Pixel 10a, covering all major Pixel phone and tablet models released in the past four years. Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings, selecting System, then System Update, and tapping Check for Update. Devices already running Android 17 Beta 4.1 will receive a smaller incremental update to the stable build. The update will expand to non-Pixel Android devices later in 2026.