Android 17: Easier migration from iOS, more AirDrop and tools for creatives

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Android 17 is essentially ready, and Google has now announced further new features for the mobile operating system as part of the Android Show I/O Edition, in addition to agentic AI functions in the form of Gemini Intelligence. Among other things, AirDrop support via Quick Share will be available on devices from other manufacturers, and creatives will also get their money's worth.

AirDrop and WhatsApp Support

In November 2025, Google surprisingly announced the ability to transfer data to iPhones, Macs, and iPads via Quick Share – on the Apple side, the AirDrop system service is used for this. Initially, Google only enabled the feature for its Pixel 10 series, but Samsung and Oppo now also offer AirDrop support for some devices.

During the Android Show, Google stated that more companies will equip their devices with AirDrop support. According to the company, devices from OnePlus, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor will receive the feature later this year.

If you don't have a compatible device, you can use Quick Share on any Android smartphone starting today to generate a QR code that allows you to instantly share content with iOS devices via the cloud. Furthermore, Google plans to make Quick Share available for more apps, including WhatsApp.

Easier Data Migration Between Android and iOS

In addition, Android 17 will simplify the transfer process from iOS to Android. They have worked with Apple to make it easier for users to move their data from one ecosystem to another. The two companies announced the data transfer back in late 2025; the EU welcomed this. Apple had already implemented easy data transfer with iOS 26.3.

According to Google, passwords, photos, messages, favorite apps, contacts, and even the arrangement of the home screen can be wirelessly transferred from an iPhone to a new Android device. This new wireless process, which also supports eSIM transfer, will be rolled out first on Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices later this year.

Less Doomscrolling

With the new system function “Pause Point,” Google is trying to encourage users to question their app usage. The optional function gives users a 10-second pause when opening a “distracting app” to ask themselves: “Why am I here?” During this pause, users can do a short breathing exercise or set a timer. Users can also view favorite photos or switch to alternative app suggestions, “such as an audiobook.”

After activating Pause Point, the function cannot simply be deactivated; the device must be restarted.

Tools for Creatives

With Android 17, Google aims to make it easier for creatives to produce content. For example, you will be able to create reaction videos without switching between apps or setting up a green screen. For this, Google is introducing "Screen Reactions.” This allows you to record yourself and the smartphone screen simultaneously. This feature will initially be available on Pixel devices later this summer.

In addition, Google has partnered with Meta to share photos in higher quality on Instagram. Ultra-HDR content will be recordable and playable in the future. The app will also receive integrated video stabilization for smooth videos. Recordings in low light will also be enhanced by the integration of “Night Sight.”

Furthermore, “we've completely optimized the capture-to-upload pipeline to ensure your photos and videos remain stunningly sharp when you hit 'post,'” writes Google.

Google has also redesigned the Edits app with Meta specifically for Android. In the app, you can transform raw material into professionally processed content in seconds using on-device AI, Google promises. Additionally, Edits will support audio separation: the Edits app “will now identify and separate out audio tracks— wind, noise, and music—to boost the sounds that you want and remove what you don’t.”

Instagram for Android Tablets – Apparently Not Just for Android 17

Google and Meta have also thought about tablets: Instagram is now fully optimized for Android tablets, “making the most of the large screen space.” Back in September of last year, Instagram released an app optimized for iPads. Creatives will also have access to Adobe Premiere, which will be available on Android later this summer.

The Premiere app will offer “access to exclusive templates and effects for creating and publishing YouTube Shorts directly in the app,” the company explains. In addition, the professional video format APV (Advanced Professional Video) will be introduced, which offers higher storage efficiency, among other things. It was developed jointly with Samsung and is immediately available on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and the iVvo X300 Ultra; support for other Android top models with Snapdragon 8 Elite processors is expected later this year.

Google has not yet revealed when it will release the final version of Android 17. Android 16 was released a few weeks after the Android Show I/O Edition 2025 in early June last year. Other new features of Android 17 include App Bubbles, separate Wi-Fi and mobile data tiles in quick settings, and protection against attacks by quantum computers.

(afl)