"It's that time of year when Android users (and pundits) start wondering what's in the next release. Well, the good news is that Google has already announced some of the features, which are carry-overs from Android 16 QPR1 and Android 16 QPR2. This approach means that these features are in quarterly drops, often targeted at Pixel users, and may eventually reach other devices."
"Material 3 Expressive for non-Pixel phones. Desktop Mode will finally display a taskbar and status bar, and many other features. There will also be customizable keyboard shortcuts when in desktop mode. Live Updates are capable of displaying updates to real-time events, such as ride-share arrivals and food deliveries. Improvements to Factory Reset Protection that restrict all functionality on phones and tablets that have been reset without owner authorization."
"As far as the QPR2 carry-over features, the list is a bit longer: Auto-themed icons Expanded dark theme Low-light mode Enhanced HDR brightness Disable background blur 90:10 split-screen multitasking on phones Built-in parental controls Identity Check will expand to apps and watches Secure Lock Device, which is a new system-level security state The ability to disable the Failed Authentication Lock feature Timezone change notification An updated interface for sideloading apps GUI app support in the Linux Terminal"
Android 17 is expected in June 2026 and emphasizes refinement and polish rather than major platform shifts. Several features will carry over from Android 16 QPR1 and QPR2 and arrive in quarterly drops, often reaching Pixel devices first before wider rollout. QPR1 additions include Material 3 Expressive for non-Pixel phones, an enhanced Desktop Mode with a taskbar, status bar, and keyboard shortcuts, Live Updates for real-time events, and stronger Factory Reset Protection. QPR2 carry-overs include auto-themed icons, expanded dark theme, low-light mode, enhanced HDR brightness, improved multitasking, parental controls, Identity Check expansion, Secure Lock Device, sideloading interface updates, and GUI Linux Terminal support.
Read at ZDNET
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