Google is reportedly developing a major cross-device continuity feature for Android 17 called “Continue On,” which will allow users to seamlessly move tasks and app sessions between multiple Android devices. The feature is expected to function similarly to Apple’s Handoff system.
The upcoming feature was spotted in Android 17 beta builds and developer previews, hinting at Google’s larger push toward a more connected Android ecosystem across phones, tablets, foldables, Chromebooks, and other devices.
What Is Android 17 ‘Continue On’?
The new Continue On system is designed to let users start a task on one Android device and continue it on another nearby device without losing progress.
For example, users may be able to:
- Start reading an article on a phone and continue on a tablet
- Move navigation sessions between devices
- Continue messaging conversations seamlessly
- Shift media playback from phone to tablet
- Resume productivity tasks across Android devices
Google appears to be building this directly into Android at the system level rather than relying only on individual app integrations.
Similar to Apple’s Handoff
The feature is widely being compared to Apple’s Handoff experience available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices. Android has long lacked a unified equivalent despite various manufacturer-specific solutions from brands like Samsung.
Samsung already offers “Continue apps on other devices” within its Galaxy ecosystem, but Android 17 could expand similar functionality to the broader Android platform.
How Continue On May Work
Leaked details suggest Continue On will rely on:
- Devices signed into the same Google account
- Nearby device detection
- Cross-device syncing
- System-level task continuity APIs
Developers may gain access to new Android APIs that allow apps to transfer active user context between devices.
The feature may also integrate with Android’s existing Cross-device Services framework, which already includes:
- Call casting
- Internet sharing
- Notification syncing
Focus on Productivity and Large Screens
Google appears to be prioritizing productivity and large-screen experiences with Android 17. Reports indicate that Continue On could work especially well with:
- Android tablets
- Foldables
- Chromebooks
- Multi-window workflows
This aligns with Google’s broader effort to improve Android’s ecosystem competitiveness against Apple’s tightly integrated device experience.
Android 17 Also Brings Other Features
Android 17 beta versions reportedly include several additional upgrades such as:
- Enhanced multitasking
- Improved floating app bubbles
- Better notification controls
- New performance optimizations
- Improved cross-device features
Availability
The Continue On feature is currently believed to be in testing within Android 17 beta builds. Google has not officially announced the final rollout timeline yet, but the feature is expected to arrive with the stable Android 17 release later in 2026.
Google’s Bigger Android Ecosystem Push
The addition of Continue On signals Google’s growing focus on ecosystem connectivity. As Android devices expand beyond smartphones into tablets, wearables, foldables, XR devices, and Chromebooks, seamless task continuity is becoming increasingly important for users.