Think your smartphone has peaked? Think again. Android 17 started rolling out in beta to Google Pixel phones in mid-February 2026, bringing a host of features designed to make your everyday use more private, customizable, and convenient.
1. App Lock: Pixel Finally Gets App-Specific Security
For years, Android skins like Samsung’s One UI and Xiaomi’s HyperOS have supported app locking, while Google Pixel users were left waiting—even iPhones eventually jumped onboard with iOS 18. Now, Android 17 closes the gap. You can secure important apps—social, banking, galleries—behind biometric authentication or a PIN.
The feature, called App Lock, is easy to enable: just long-press any app icon on your home screen to lock it. Android 17 also hides notifications from locked apps until you’ve authenticated, protecting your sensitive info on the lock screen and notification center.
2. Greater Home Screen Flexibility: Option to Remove ‘At a Glance’
The well-known ‘At
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