Android 17 Rolls Out to Pixel Phones, Samsung Galaxy Update Nears

Google has started releasing Android 17 to Pixel devices, with Samsung expected to follow within the next month as both companies work to bring the update to millions of Galaxy phones. The rollout for Pixel users began on June 16, 2026, according to Google. Samsung's One UI 9, which builds on Android 17, is currently in its third beta phase for the Galaxy S26 series and is anticipated to reach a stable release soon.

The new operating system introduces a refreshed design and several features aimed at improving multitasking and security. Among the highlights are Bubbles, which allows any app to be used as a floating window, and Screen Reactions, enabling simultaneous recording of the screen and selfie camera without switching apps. For foldable devices, Android 17 includes a dedicated gaming mode with a 50/50 split layout, displaying the game on top and a dynamic gamepad below.

Security enhancements in Android 17 include temporary location sharing, selective contact sharing, and an improved Mark as Lost feature that locks a missing phone with biometrics, preventing access even with a passcode. Samsung's third beta of One UI 9 focuses on stability, fixing issues such as camera preview cropping, lock screen widget errors, S Pen home screen swipe problems, and a bug that caused reboots during video streaming. It also adds a Quick Panel icon for Summarise Notifications with a transparency label indicating AI-generated content.

While the foundational update is rolling out, the more advanced capabilities of Android 17—collectively branded as Gemini Intelligence—are expected to debut at Samsung Unpacked in July. These features include app automation, Magic Cue (context-aware suggestions), Rambler (voice cleanup), smarter Autofill, and Create My Widget. The automation feature, in particular, represents a significant shift, enabling AI to perform multi-step tasks such as booking tickets, adding items to shopping carts, or checking emails for syllabus information to populate shopping lists with minimal user input.

Gemini Intelligence will first arrive on the Samsung Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 at their launch next month, followed by the Google Pixel 11 series. The technology's agentic nature raises security questions, including concerns about prompt injection attacks, where hidden instructions on a webpage could potentially manipulate AI actions. Cybersecurity firm Guardio Labs has demonstrated such vulnerabilities on similar AI browser services.

Samsung has also begun internal testing of One UI 9 for the Galaxy A56, according to tracker sources, signalling a broader rollout beyond flagship devices. The update is currently available for the Galaxy S26 series in beta in the U.K., Germany, India, Poland, and South Korea.