Google has unexpectedly pushed out Android 17 Beta 1 just days after confirming its release. The update focuses on privacy, security, performance, and several behind-the-scenes platform changes. Here’s a brief look at what devices are supported, how to install it, and what’s new.

Eligible devices

As usual, Google’s Pixel lineup gets the beta first. Android 17 Beta 1 is currently limited to these models:

  • Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a
  • Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a
  • Pixel Tablet
  • 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

If you own a Pixel 6 or a newer device, you can install Android 17 Beta 1 and try upcoming features ahead of the stable rollout.

How to install Android 17 Beta 1

If your Pixel is already on Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 and you stayed in the beta program, you should receive Android 17 Beta 1 as an OTA update:

  • Go to Settings > System > Software update (or System update) and check for updates.

If you’re not enrolled in the beta program:

  1. Visit google.com/android/beta and sign in with the same Google account used on your Pixel.
  2. Select your device and tap Opt in.
  3. After a short wait, open Settings > System > Software update on your Pixel and install Android 17 Beta 1.

Always back up your important data to the cloud or another device before installing beta software.

What’s new in Android 17 Beta 1?

Android 17 Beta 1 is primarily for developers and marks a shift from one-off Developer Previews to a continuous Android Canary channel. Canary delivers new features and APIs faster and removes the need for manual flashing on supported devices.

Key changes include:

  • Large‑screen behaviour: Apps on devices with a minimum width of ≥ 600dp (tablets, foldables, desktop-style environments) must support both portrait and landscape orientations, handle resizable windows properly, and cannot simply opt out of resizability or orientation changes. Phones under 600dp are not affected.

  • System performance:

    • A lock‑free MessageQueue to cut down on missed frames and stutters.
    • Generational Garbage Collection to reduce CPU load and the length of full-heap collections.
    • Stricter handling of static final fields so the runtime can apply more aggressive optimisations.

  • Camera and media:

    • Dynamic Camera Sessions for smoother switching between camera modes.
    • Constant Quality Recording for finer control over video quality.
    • Versatile Video Coding (VVC) support on compatible hardware for better compression at similar quality.

  • Audio, connectivity, and devices:

    • An improved audio framework for more reliable behaviour in media and real-time apps.
    • Enhanced VoIP call history with avatar support and added privacy controls.
    • Wi‑Fi Ranging updates, including Proximity Detection and support for 802.11az secure ranging.
    • New CompanionDeviceManager profiles for Medical Devices and Fitness Trackers, simplifying permissions and setup.

Release timeline

Google expects Android 17 to reach Platform Stability next month, when SDK/NDK APIs and app-facing behaviours are finalised. If everything goes to plan, the stable Android 17 release should arrive sometime in Q3 2026.

For ongoing changes and future betas, you can keep an eye on dedicated Android 17 coverage or follow tech news channels for instant update alerts.

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