Main points
- Android 17 will receive a new Material 3 Expressive interface design with dynamic animations and responsive elements.
- The update will include improved support for large screens, new camera APIs, the VVC video standard, and Motion Cues for showing movement.
What's new in Android 17 and why is its release currently delayed / Unsplash / Alexander London
Android 17, the next major version of Google's mobile operating system, doesn't have a release date yet, but the company has confirmed that it's coming soon. The new update promises a number of important features that could change the interface, performance, and device interactions.
Although Android 17 still doesn't have a specific release date — it was expected in mid-February-March 2026 — Google has confirmed that the update will still be available for testing “soon” and later in a stable version, Tech Radar reports.
What key changes will Android 17 bring?
Interface and design: One of the most notable changes in Android 17 will be an expanded version of Material 3 Expressive , a new interface design previously only available on Pixel devices. It will add dynamic animations, new icon shapes, blur effects, and responsive interface elements that can change depending on the theme and settings you choose.
Better support for large screens. The update makes responsive apps mandatory for everyone. This means that apps must resize and reorient properly on tablets or foldable devices without black borders or restrictions. This approach is especially useful for devices with large screens or split-screen features.
Camera frames and smoother transitions. Android 17 is also working on new professional camera APIs that will allow for seamless transitions between lenses and “lags” when changing shooting modes — for example, from photo to video.
New video standards. Support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC) , also known as the H.266 standard, should significantly improve the efficiency of video compression without losing quality. According to 9to5google , this could have a positive impact on storing videos on devices and streaming content.
New UX features for motion. Another potential new feature is Motion Cues , which shows device movement as dynamic dots on the screen. This could be useful, for example, for people who suffer from motion sickness or screen reorientation.