Google released Android 17 Beta 1 on February 13 after a two-day delay, making the first public test build available for Pixel 6 series and newer devices. The beta arrived following an aborted February 11 launch that Google canceled without explanation, telling media outlets the release was "coming soon, not today."
Android 17 introduces mandatory large-screen app compatibility, removing developer opt-outs that existed in Android 16. Apps targeting API level 37 must now support landscape and portrait orientations on tablets, foldables, and desktop windowing environments.
This change forces developers to adapt their applications for all form factors regardless of screen size.
Google replaced traditional Developer Previews with a continuous Android Canary channel that provides daily updates to testers. The new model offers faster feature access, better beta stability, and easier testing without manual image flashing. Android 17 will reach Platform Stability in March 2026 with final SDK and NDK APIs, giving developers several months for testing before the expected June final release.
The beta includes professional-grade camera and media tools with support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266). This newer video format promises better quality using less storage space while enabling more efficient video encoding and decoding.
Camera improvements allow apps to switch between sensors more smoothly without restarting activities.
Performance enhancements feature generational garbage collection that reduces CPU costs for memory cleanup. The system also implements custom notification view restrictions to lower memory usage on older devices. Background audio hardening restricts audio playback, focus requests, and volume changes to applications in valid lifecycle states.
Security updates deprecate the android:usesCleartextTraffic attribute, defaulting to disallowing unencrypted traffic without proper Network Security Configuration. New cryptography tools include HPKE hybrid cryptography for protected communication, while Wi-Fi and VoIP features gain smarter APIs for device detection and proximity.
Visual changes include a redesigned Pixel launcher search bar with transparent background and AI mode integration. The Control Center brightness icon received updates, location indicators darkened, and Gemini screen shrink animation became standard from corner swipes. Settings menus feature more compact layouts with reduced vertical height on menu items.
Eligible Pixel devices range from the 2021 Pixel 6 series through current Pixel 10 models, including Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Users enrolled in the Android Beta Program receive the update automatically over-the-air, while others can manually sideload factory images. Google's upcoming Pixel 10a, confirmed for launch next week, will likely gain Android 17 Beta support shortly after release.
The company expects quarterly Android 17 updates throughout 2026, with the Q2 release containing planned app-breaking behavior changes. A minor SDK release is scheduled for Q4 2026, maintaining Google's mid-year final release schedule established with Android 16.
