Google has set steep necessities for Android 17’s marquee Gemini Intelligence function. They rule out maximum current telephones, to the purpose the place one of the most corporate’s personal Pixel 9 units may no longer make stronger the agentic AI.
A word on Google’s product web page finds that you’ll be able to desire a system with the “maximum complicated functions” to run the generation, in line with 9to5Google. You’ll be able to desire a qualifying “flagship” chip, a minimum of 12GB of RAM, and make stronger for media options like HDR and spatial audio. Google additionally calls for a minimum of 5 years of OS updates, six years of quarterly safety updates, and high quality ranges that shall be extra strictly enforced in 2027.
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Extra importantly, the system must make stronger Google’s newest small AI fashion, Gemini Nano v3. That might rule out units that may in a different way qualify, together with lots of the Pixel 9 circle of relatives, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7, and the OnePlus 13. Most of the time, maximum telephones launched earlier than 2026 are lately ineligible.
Gemini Nano v3 thus far runs on maximum Pixel 10 fashions (no longer the 10a), Samsung’s Galaxy S26 lineup, and the OnePlus 15 vary. Whilst it is imaginable that some telephones and pills will obtain v3 make stronger, it isn’t assured at this degree.
How-To Geek has requested Google for remark and can allow you to know if we obtain a reaction.
Why are Gemini Intelligence machine necessities so prime?
A complicated native AI fashion may well be the reason
Gemini Intelligence is greater than only a voice assistant. As an AI agent, it could actually carry out multi-step duties that, in some circumstances, would require launching apps to accomplish duties to your behalf, reminiscent of reserving eating places and growing customized widgets.
For the function to paintings briefly and reliably, Google will most probably want to run a small however contemporary AI fashion like Gemini Nano v3 on-device. That calls for massive quantities of computing energy and reminiscence, and there aren’t any promises that almost all units (together with lower-end 2026 telephones) will move muster.

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As such, you are possibly to look Gemini Intelligence on only a handful of units early on, with emblem new fashions possibly to get it first. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Turn 8, each anticipated in July, may well be the primary. We might be expecting Google’s personal Pixel 11 to be subsequent in step with a imaginable August premiere.
Regardless of the actual system roster looks as if, Google is returning to the times when the use of primary new instrument options incessantly required new {hardware}, no longer simply OS updates. Find it irresistible or no longer, you could have to shop for a brand new telephone to have Gemini Intelligence on faucet.


