Android 17’s ‘Continue On’ will let you move tasks between devices, like Apple’s Handoff

At a glance:

• Google's Android 17 will introduce "Continue On" for seamless task switching between devices.
• Similar to Apple's Handoff, but initially limited to phones and tablets.
• Expected in Android 17 RC1, following beta releases.

What is Continue On?

Google revealed "Continue On" during the "What's new in Android" talk at Google I/O 2026, framing it as Android's counterpart to Apple's Handoff. The feature aims to let users begin an app on one Android device and fluidly move to another within the same ecosystem without disrupting their workflow.

As outlined on a developer page, "Continue On enables users to start an Android app on one Android device and then transition to another device in their Android ecosystem, continuing the user journey they started." This represents a pivotal move toward tighter integration across Android devices, narrowing a long-perceived gap versus Apple's unified environment.

How Continue On Works

The mechanism allows activities from your Android device to surface on other linked devices sharing the same account. Google notes it will function bidirectionally, enabling task transfers in both directions. However, at launch, it restricts transitions to Android phones and tablets.

Examples include opening a Google Docs document on your phone and having it appear on your tablet's dock for seamless continuation, or reading a Gmail email on your phone and handing off to Chrome on your tablet, which opens directly to that message. These use cases highlight the feature's potential to streamline daily multitasking across devices.

Comparison with Apple Handoff

Apple's Handoff, launched in 2014, permits iPhone users to pass tasks to iPad or Mac, fostering a cohesive experience across its hardware. Google's Continue On mirrors this concept but starts with a narrower scope—phones and tablets only—while Apple's version extends to Macs and other devices. This initial limitation reflects Google's phased approach to building out the Android ecosystem's interconnectivity.

Availability and Future Plans

Continue On is slated for Android 17 "RC1," denoting a release candidate build. The last beta for Android 17 occurred nearly a month ago, and a ".1" incremental update is plausible, hinting at a near-term stable release. Though initially confined to phones and tablets, Google may broaden support to foldables, Chromebooks, or other devices in future updates based on demand and technical evolution.

Implications and What's Next

The debut of Continue On signals Google's intensified effort to bolster Android's ecosystem synergy, directly challenging Apple's competitive edge in seamless device handoffs. For consumers, this promises reduced friction when juggling multiple gadgets, potentially deepening engagement with Google's suite of services. Observers should track expansions in device compatibility and third-party app integrations, as these could significantly influence market dynamics in the mobile sector.