Honor confirms device list for Android 17 update with Liquid Glass design

Honor has officially confirmed the list of devices that will receive Android 17 with its MagicOS 11 skin, an update that comes packed with Liquid Glass, Apple's new design language that Honor has eagerly adopted. The news, via 9to5Google, not only confirms the rollout schedule but also highlights a strategic move by the Chinese company to stay relevant in the competitive Android market.

The Context: Liquid Glass Fever

Since Apple introduced Liquid Glass in iOS 18, Android manufacturers have been racing to implement interfaces with transparency effects, blurs, and reflections. Honor had already hinted at this direction with previous MagicOS versions, but now it's taking it to the extreme. The company aims to stand out in a market where hardware alone is no longer enough.

The Details: Devices and Features

Honor has published an extensive list that includes everything from its latest flagships to mid-range models from the past two years. Among the confirmed devices are:

• Honor Magic 6 Pro
• Honor Magic 6
• Honor Magic V2
• Honor 100 Pro
• Honor 90
• Honor X9b
• Honor X8b

The update not only brings the new design but also improvements in performance, privacy, and multitasking, leveraging Android 17's optimizations. Additionally, it's expected to include new AI features, though Honor hasn't provided specific details. The rollout will begin in Q3 2025, according to a leaked roadmap.

Analysis: Strategy or Imitation?

Honor is clearly betting on a flashy design to turn heads, but copying Apple's Liquid Glass could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers users a sophisticated visual experience without buying an iPhone. On the other, it risks appearing unoriginal and drawing criticism from Android purists for lacking its own identity. In my view, Honor is playing it safe: if the design appeals, it gains fans; if not, at least it sparks conversation.

Implications: The Domino Effect on Android

This move will likely pressure other manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus to accelerate their own Liquid Glass interpretations. The question is whether Android 17 will allow such deep customization for each brand to impose its vision without sacrificing performance. Moreover, update fragmentation remains an issue: while Honor promises a broad list, rollout speed will vary by region and carrier.

Ultimately, what really matters isn't whether Honor copies Apple, but whether users will notice a real improvement in their daily use beyond aesthetics. Are you willing to wait months for a visual change, or do you prefer more functional updates?

Source: 9to5Google