Google has officially begun rolling out Android 17 Beta 1 to Pixel devices.
The release marks the first public beta of the next major version of Android, following the launch of the new Android Canary channel.
The update introduces adaptive app enhancements, performance upgrades and new developer tools.
Android 17 Beta 1 is rolling out today to supported Pixel smartphones and tablets. This is the first major beta under Google’s newly introduced Android Canary development model.
Launched in June, Android Canary replaced the traditional Developer Previews. It is designed to test “cutting-edge builds” featuring pre-release Android APIs and potential upcoming behavior changes.
Why Google introduced android canary
Google says the Canary channel offers three key benefits.
Faster access to features
New features and APIs land in Canary as soon as they pass internal testing. Developers no longer have to wait for quarterly releases to access early builds.
Better stability
Google says early “battle-testing” in Canary results in a more polished Beta experience. APIs and app behavior changes are closer to their final versions by the time they reach Beta.
Easier testing
Canary supports OTA updates, eliminating the need for manual flashing. As a separate update channel, it also integrates more easily with CI workflows and allows developers to provide immediate feedback on upcoming changes.
Focus on adaptive apps for large screens
Android 17 continues Google’s push for adaptive apps that fully utilize large-screen devices.
Apps will no longer feature letterboxing and are expected to span the full width of tablets, foldables and desktop windowing environments.
The developer opt-out introduced last year has now been removed for applications targeting API level 37. However, this change does not apply to games.
Google emphasized that users expect apps to function seamlessly across multitasking on tablets, unfolding devices and desktop-style interfaces, while respecting device posture and screen space.
Performance improvements take center stage
Performance remains a major focus in Android 17.
Google has introduced improvements aimed at reducing missed frames and lowering garbage collection CPU costs. The update also brings more aggressive optimizations and reduced notification memory usage.
These changes are designed to deliver smoother app experiences and better overall system efficiency.
On the media front, Android 17 introduces professional-grade tools for camera usage.
Google promises more seamless transitions between camera use cases and modes, helping to avoid visible glitches or freezes during operation.
The company is also launching a loudness management API to ensure a more consistent listening experience across applications and hardware.
Android 17 includes broader app developer updates across privacy, security, connectivity, telecom and developer tools.
Developers can provide feedback using the Android Beta Feedback app available on Pixel devices. Bug reports can be submitted through the Google issue tracker.
There is also an active Android Beta community on Reddit for discussion and support.
Supported devices and installation
Android 17 Beta 1 system images are available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
- Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
- Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold
The update is also available for the Android Emulator.
Users can enroll in the Android Beta Program to receive an on-device OTA update. However, those currently enrolled in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 must leave the program before installing Android 17 Beta 1 if they wish to return to stable without a data wipe. The next opportunity to do so will be in June.
Following Beta 1, Platform Stability is targeted for March. This milestone will include final SDK and NDK APIs, along with largely final app-facing behaviors.
The final release of Android 17 is expected several months after that, likely in June.
The 26Q2 release will serve as the major SDK update of the year, introducing behavior changes, new APIs and features.
It will be followed by 26Q3 (Android 17 QPR1) and 26Q4 (Android 17 QPR2) with minor SDK updates, while 27Q1 (Android 17 QPR3) will conclude the Android 17 cycle.
