GoKawiilAndroid 17 adds app bubbles, starting with Pixel phones
Google's Android 17 update introduces the ability to 'bubble' any app, not just messaging apps, keeping its icon floating on top of the screen for quick access. Users can place up to five bubbled apps along the left or right edge of the home screen by long-pressing an app and selecting the Bubble option. The feature currently works only on Pixel devices, though Google says it will expand to other manufacturers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Extending bubbles beyond messaging apps could make Android more competitive with existing multitasking tools like Samsung's Smart Pop Up View, suggesting Google wants a unified, device-wide approach to quick app access. Limiting the rollout to Pixel first may reflect Google's usual pattern of testing features on its own hardware before wider distribution.
- Android 17 lets users bubble up to five apps, not just chat apps, for floating quick access.
- The feature currently works only on Google Pixel devices but is expected to expand to other manufacturers.
- Samsung already offers a similar feature called Smart Pop Up View.
Google Pixel 9 smartphone — Since app bubbles are launching as a Pixel exclusive feature in Android 17, a Pixel 9 is the easiest way to try this multitasking trick right now. It's a great showcase of Google's latest software features paired with clean hardware design.4
See Google Pixel 9 smartphone on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: zdnet.com — Artie Beaty, 2026-10-23
Published there as: “Android lets you ‘bubble’ apps for easy access now – how it works”
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