Last updated: May 7th, 2026 at 15:16 UTC+02:00


Google claims Android 17 is the biggest Android update ever, powers One UI 9

It could bring deeper support for Agentic AI features.

Asif Iqbal Shaik

Reading time: 2 minutes

android 17 (one ui 9) being tested on a galaxy s26 ultra

Max Jambor / SamMobile

Laptop

Android 17 (One UI 9) on the Galaxy S26 Ultra - Source: Max Jambor / SamMobile

Every year at Google I/O, Google showcases new versions of Android, Android TV, Android Automotive OS, ChromeOS, and Wear OS platforms. This year, the company is expected to unveil Android 17, which will power One UI 9 on Samsung devices. Google is already calling it the biggest Android update ever.

Android 17 could introduce major improvements

Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, posted on X that Android 17 will be the biggest update Android has ever seen. The new version of Android will be officially unveiled during the Android Show: I/O Edition keynote on May 12 at 10 AM PT (1 PM ET).

While some rumors suggested that Android could adopt a design philosophy similar to Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic, Samat categorically dismissed those wild rumors.

google i/o 2026 android show date time

Google

The Android Show I/O Edition 2026's schedule – Source: Google

Google has already released Android 17 Beta 4 and is currently adding finishing touches on the operating system. There are no major UI changes compared to Android 16 in the current beta builds, but that is fairly typical before Google I/O. Google usually reveals most user-facing features and visual changes during its annual developer conference, and this year is expected to follow the same pattern.

Android 17 could introduce support for agentic AI, which is being positioned as the next major evolution in artificial intelligence. Samsung's One UI 9 software will be based on Android 17, and it will debut with the Galaxy Z Flip 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8, and the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide in July this year. Beta version of One UI 9 could first hit the Galaxy S26 series.

Google is also expected to showcase Wear OS 7 for smartwatches, improvements to Android XR, and Android TV 17. New versions of Android Auto and Android Automotive OS are likely to appear as well.

Google may also unveil more advanced Android support for desktop and laptop PCs. We reported exclusively that Samsung is already developing multiple Galaxy Book laptops running Android 17 and One UI 9. Google could offer a preview of the software experience and features expected on those upcoming Galaxy Books.