Google's EyeDropper App Set for Android 17 Release

Google has announced its new native color picker app, EyeDropper, intended for release with Android 17. This application introduces a system-wide API, enabling other apps to request color picking functionality.

EyeDropper Features and Integration

EyeDropper allows users to capture screen colors with a movable selector and a magnified pixel preview. The selected color is then returned to the requesting app. EyeDropper supports precise adjustments using on-screen arrow keys, enhancing usability for detailed work.

Additionally, the app is designed to adapt to desktop modes, recognizing mouse and keyboard inputs, and managing multiple display setups. This flexibility helps improve user experience across various devices and configurations.

Release Schedule and Compatibility

The EyeDropper app was uncovered in an Android Canary build and is slated for Android 17. New API developments are closed for the upcoming Android 16 quarterly updates, pushing this feature's availability to the next major Android release.

Currently, there are no plans from Google to backport EyeDropper to earlier Android versions, making it exclusive to future devices running Android 17.

Update: 24 Oct 2025