Google set to unveil Android 17 in 2026, bringing deeper personalisation and major UI upgrades

Android 17, internally codenamed “Cinnamon Bun,” is expected to arrive by mid-2026 with fresh Material 3 enhancements, improved multitasking, stronger privacy controls, revamped visuals, and expanded AI-driven performance upgrades across compatible devices.

Google is gearing up for the next significant milestone in its mobile operating system, with Android 17 expected to launch by mid-2026. The company is likely to follow its traditional release cycle, beginning with a developer preview in late 2025, beta builds in early 2026, and a stable rollout around June. Reports indicate that the internal codename for the upcoming version is “Cinnamon Bun,” continuing Google’s long-running dessert-themed naming tradition used during development phases.

Refined visuals and enhanced user experience

Android 17 is poised to build on the Material 3 overhaul introduced in the previous iteration. Early information suggests a stronger focus on personalisation, playful aesthetics, and cohesive system elements. Users can expect richer colour schemes, expanded wallpaper-based theming, and more fluid animations. Google is also working on livelier icons, an improved notification shade for faster interactions, and interactive widgets that offer real-time responsiveness.

Pixel smartphones will be the first to adopt the update, followed by OEMs such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. Additional updates could include a reworked keyboard with resizing features, smarter notification replies, and upgraded camera controls, all aimed at delivering a more intuitive and seamless experience.

Improved multitasking, privacy tools, and AI capabilities

A significant upgrade in Android 17 will be its redesigned desktop mode, enabling users to connect their phones to external monitors for a full desktop-style interface. With features like a taskbar, app tray, keyboard and mouse support, and efficient multi-window handling, the update seeks to elevate Android’s multitasking capabilities.

Privacy improvements are also central to the new version, with expected enhancements in background activity restrictions, app permissions, and local network access alerts. On the developer front, the update should bring faster OTA delivery, strengthened APIs, improved authentication, and enhanced file integrity.

AI-powered optimisations for battery efficiency and resource management are anticipated to further refine performance, making Android 17 a blend of visual refinement, functional upgrades, and smarter system behaviour.