Friends, the first beta of Android 17 (codenamed Cinnamon Bun) is here, and this update is absolutely amazing. I tried it on the Pixel 10, and now I’m going to explain what’s new, what extras Pixel phones will get, and most importantly – what features non-Pixel phones (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, etc.) will get. Let’s explain it simply, because this update is exciting for everyone!
What’s new in Android 17 Beta? (You can see it on Pixel now)
Beta 1 has some small but useful additions:
- You can remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen (it will remain on the lock screen, but now you have control!).
- The Google search bar is now more customizable – change themes, adjust transparency, and change shortcuts (AI mode, live song search, sports, etc.).
- Animations are smoother – a cool animation comes from the bezel when you invoke Gemini.
- New icons in the volume panel and brightness slider.
- Settings menus are a little compact.
- New iPhone-style animation for adjusting flashlight brightness (carried over from Android 16 QPR3).
- Blue dot indicator for location access (tap in quick settings to see details).
All of this is currently live on Pixel devices, and the beta seems stable – bugs are minimal, battery life is good.
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What will non-Pixel phones get from Android 17?
Google is making Android better for everyone, and many of the features in Android 17 will reach non-Pixel phones (Samsung, OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, etc.). These features will arrive in the stable release (around June 2026), or some OEMs may also bring them in QPR updates of Android 16.
Biggest things for non-Pixel users:
- Native App Lock: Now you can lock any app by long-pressing it – iOS-style. Notifications will appear, but content won’t be visible.
- Desktop Mode: A Samsung DeX-like experience – taskbar, app drawer, freeform windows, drag-drop, snapping. All coming to Android phones (Samsung might not want it, but everyone else benefits!).
- Material 3 Expressive: New springy animations, icon shapes, blur effects, and a fresh design language – Available on Pixels since Android 16 QPR1, now available on non-Pixels starting in Android 17.
- Live Updates: Always On Display, lock screen, and live notifications on the status bar (like fitness tracking or ongoing calls) – will consume significantly less battery.
- Better App Adaptability: Apps on large screens (tablets, foldables) will now support mandatory resize and orientation – no more opt-out.
- Airdrop-like Sharing: Nearby Share will be improved, possibly getting full Airdrop support.
- Improved Theft Protection: New features like head detection and factory reset prevention – a thief won’t be able to reset the phone.
- Camera/Media Upgrades: Seamless lens switching, VVC (H.266) video support, and better audio normalization – hardware-dependent, but a better experience on all phones.
And a Few Bonuses:
- Split notifications and quick settings (iOS-like).
- New screen recorder with floating tools and markup.
- Separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles.
- Faster camera mode switching and overall performance tweaks.
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Android 17 Key Highlights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Codename | Cinnamon Bun |
| Beta Release | February 2026 (Beta 1) |
| Stable Release | June 2026 (expected) |
| Pixel Exclusive (Beta) | At a Glance removal, search bar customization, Gemini animation |
| Non-Pixel Major Features | Native App Lock, Desktop Mode, Material 3 Expressive, Live Updates, Airdrop-like sharing |
| Platform Changes | Mandatory large screen adaptivity, better theft protection, VVC video support |
| Updates | 7 years security (Pixel), OEMs vary |
Pros and Cons (For Non-Pixel Users)
Pros:
- Native App Lock and Desktop Mode – waited a long time!
- Material 3 Expressive and Live Updates will make the UI completely fresh.
- Better security and theft protection on all phones.
- Performance tweaks will make all Android devices feel faster.
Cons:
- Some features (like the advanced Gemini) may remain exclusive to the Pixel.
- OEMs (Samsung, etc.) may modify or delay features to suit their needs.
- The beta is currently only available on Pixel devices – non-Pixel users will have to wait until the stable release.
Conclusion
Android 17 is a mature update – not major changes, but plenty of useful tweaks. Pixel users are enjoying the beta, but for non-Pixel users, this update could be a amazing– features like app lock, desktop mode, Material 3 Expressive, and Live Updates will make all phones feel upgraded.
Wait until June 2026, or try the beta if you have a Pixel! Tell us in the comments – which feature do you want most in Android 17? App lock or desktop mode?
