Google has announced all these new Android features while barely mentioning Android 17, which is slated to launch in June. Almost everything new in Android will arrive via Play Services, app updates, or on specific devices (like Pixel and Samsung Galaxy) through partnerships. There are a few tidbits for Android 17 itself. Google says flagship Android 17 devices will see some changes to the camera experience, including better video quality in social media apps like Instagram and “screen reaction” overlays in video. There will also be native support for Ultra HDR, native stabilization, and Night
Android is getting a big AI overhaul in 2026… These devices will have the Play Store, of course, but the rest of the software situation is hazy. Google is in the process of certifying third-party app stores for Android while also clamping down on sideloaded APKs , and we don’t know where Googlebooks will end up in the openness spectrum. …
… Android Auto media apps have hardly evolved over the years, but 2026 will bring some notable changes. Popular apps like YouTube Music and Spotify are getting design overhauls that make them easier to use in the car. Video playback is also coming to Android Auto for the first time. …
… Media & Entertainment Playback control: Monitoring states like playing, paused, or buffering. …
… Over his 20-year career, he's written for Android Police, ExtremeTech, Wirecutter, NY Times, and more. …