Ahead of Google IO 2026, Google has revealed several new Android 17 features during the Android Show IO Edition. The company showcased a mix of AI tools, security upgrades, creator-focused features, and digital well-being improvements that will start to roll out later this year.
Among the most noticeable changes is the emoji collection. Google said all 4,000 Android emojis are getting a makeover with more detail and expressive appearance, replacing the flatter designs currently used on Android devices.
The company also introduced a new digital well-being feature called Pause Point. The tool is aimed at reducing excessive screen time by adding friction before opening the distracting apps. Once the users mark the app as distracting, Android will display a short countdown timer before the app opens, alongside reminders, breathing exercises, or suggestions to switch to more productive apps.
The Android 17 will also bring a built-in Screen Reactions feature that records both the device screen and the selfie camera simultaneously. The feature is designed for reaction-style content commonly seen on platforms like YouTube and Instagram and is expected to debut on Pixel devices later this summer.
The company is also expanding Quick Share support for easy file transfers with iPhones. Android users will soon be able to share files using QR-code-based transfers and broader AirDrop interoperability support across devices from brands including Xiaomi, Honor, OnePlus, Oppo and Vivo. Quick Share integration inside apps like WhatsApp is also planned.
The company additionally confirmed improved iPhone-to-Android migration support. Android 17 will allow users to transfer contacts, messages, passwords, eSIMs, apps and even home screen layouts from iPhones directly to supported Android devices.
AI remained a major focus of the event. Google introduced Rambler, a new Gboard dictation feature that removes filler words, corrects spoken mistakes and generates cleaner text in real time. Another AI feature called Create My Widget will let users build custom widgets using natural language prompts.
Android 17 is also receiving stronger security protections, including enhanced malware detection, remote biometric locking for stolen phones, scam protection tools and stricter PIN attempt limits to improve device safety.