Google has started rolling out Android 17 and Wear OS 7 for Pixel phones and Pixel Watch devices. Samsung Galaxy and other Android phones are expected to get the update from next month.
The update also introduces a new app-windowing feature called Bubbles, as well as more detailed controls for location and contact sharing, and support for live updates on Wear OS.
Some of Google’s most hyped features from Google I/O, including Gemini Intelligence, are not part of the initial rollout. They are expected to arrive on select high-end devices later this summer.
Android 17 bubbles multitasking and more granular privacy controls
Android 17 introduces Bubbles, a feature that brings a messaging-style bubble interface to normal apps. When an app is bubbled up, it floats over other apps as a draggable icon.
Tapping the icon opens or closes the app window. Multiple apps can be bubbled together, appearing as icons at the top of a floating window, allowing users to quickly switch between apps without leaving their current task. While this feature is especially useful on foldables and tablets, it works on phones too.
Android 17 introduces more detailed permission controls for location and contact access.
Users now have the option to grant temporary access to precise location, which provides a middle ground between blocking precise location completely, which may cause some apps to stop working, and granting indefinite access.
Additionally, users can choose to share only specific contacts with an app rather than the entire address book, similar to how file and media access is managed on Android.
These updates respond to long-standing concerns that many apps require “precise” location to function properly, giving users a choice between full disclosure and limited app functionality.
Live update on Wear OS 7 and new device controls from Watch
Live Updates, the feature introduced with Android 16 last year that provides real-time notifications for food delivery, timers, and fitness tracking, is now available on Wear OS 7.
The watch versions are optimized for smaller screens but otherwise work just like phones.
Wear OS 7 introduces new features for managing connected devices. The watch’s media player now includes an output switcher that allows users to switch audio between Bluetooth headphones, smart speakers, and other connected devices without requiring voice commands.
Google specifically mentioned that this feature will be compatible with “intelligent eyeglasses” launching this autumn. This suggests integration with devices like the Gucci XR Glasses developed in partnership with Kering, or similar upcoming products. The output switcher also supports other smart home audio devices.
What’s not available yet and how the Android 17/Wear OS 7 rollout works
Several key features announced at Google I/O 2026 not included in initial Android 17 release
Gemini Intelligence, which enables deeper integration with apps and services for tasks like ordering food and buying tickets, will be available on “select advanced devices” later this summer.
The “Create My Widget” feature, a generative AI tool that allows users to describe a widget for Gemini that is automatically created and syncs with Wear OS as tiles, is also expected to arrive later.
Google has not provided specific dates for these features or a list of compatible devices.
Android 17 and Wear OS 7 starts rolling out to Pixel phones and Pixel Watch devices today. Samsung Galaxy and other Android phones will start receiving the update from next month. Rollout timing for other OEMs has not been announced.
Users interested in installing the update should check Settings, then System & Software Update on their device.
Wear OS 7 updates are distributed via the Watch Companion app to paired phones.
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