Google is reportedly developing a feature for the upcoming Android 17 release that closely mirrors Apple's Handoff functionality. The tool, internally codenamed "Continue," will allow users to start a task on one device and seamlessly pick it up on another—for example, beginning an email on a phone and finishing it on a tablet.
According to sources familiar with the development, the feature will work across Android phones, tablets, and Chromebooks, leveraging Google's cloud services to sync app states in real time. Initial support is expected to include Google's own apps like Chrome, Gmail, and Maps, with plans to open an API for third-party developers.
Unlike Apple's Handoff, which relies on Bluetooth and iCloud, Android 17's implementation uses Google's Nearby Share protocol combined with end-to-end encrypted cloud sync. This approach is designed to reduce latency and improve reliability, especially when devices are not in close proximity.
The feature is expected to be a highlight of Android 17, which is slated for a beta release in early 2026. Google has yet to officially confirm the development.
"This is a game-changer for Android users who work across multiple devices," said a developer briefed on the project. "It removes the friction of manually transferring tasks."
Competitors have long offered similar cross-device experiences, but Android's fragmented ecosystem has made such integration challenging. With this move, Google aims to close the gap and offer a unified experience across its hardware partners.