If you are planning to try the new Android 17 update, this is important for you. Just three days ago, Google confirmed that Android 17 Beta 1 was on the way — and now it has officially arrived.
The first beta has been released earlier than expected. It brings improvements in privacy, security,
and overall performance, along with several important changes. Below, we explain the new features, eligible devices, and how to install it.
Eligible Devices for Android 17 Beta 1
As always, Google Pixel devices are the first to receive the new beta update. For now, Android 17 Beta 1 is available only for Pixel devices. It will be rolled out to other brands later.
Here is the full list of supported Pixel devices:
Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Tablet
Pixel Fold
Pixel 8
Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel 9a
Pixel 10
Pixel 10 Pro
Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 Pro Fold
In simple terms, if you own a Pixel 6 or any newer Pixel device, you can install Android 17 Beta 1 and enjoy the latest features without waiting months for the stable version.
How to Install Android 17 Beta 1 on Google Pixel
If your Pixel device is already running Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 and you have not left the beta program, you should automatically receive the Android 17 Beta 1 update. You can also manually check by going to:
Settings → System → Software Updates → System Updates
If you are not part of the beta program, visit google.com/android/beta and opt in with your selected device. Make sure you are logged in with the same Google account on the website.
After opting in, you can install the latest beta update from the Software Update section in your phone’s settings.
Before installing any beta update, always back up your important data to another device or cloud storage to avoid data loss.
Android 17 Beta 1: What’s New and Improved?
Android 17’s first beta mainly focuses on developers. It marks a shift from the traditional “Developer Preview” model to a continuous “Android Canary” program.
The Canary channel provides faster access to new features and APIs, improved stability, and removes the need for manual flashing.
Better App Support on Large Screens
The update introduces stricter requirements for apps on large-screen devices. This helps apps handle resizing and orientation changes more smoothly. These changes do not affect smaller devices.
Performance and System Improvements
Android 17 includes several low-level improvements to enhance efficiency and system health:
Lock-free message queue to reduce missed frames
Generational garbage collection to lower CPU usage and reduce full-heap collection time
Stricter “static final” fields to allow more aggressive performance optimizations
Camera and Media Upgrades
The update brings major camera improvements, including:
Dynamic camera sessions for smoother switching between modes
Constant quality recording for better video control
Support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC) on supported hardware
There is also an improved audio framework, better VoIP call history management, and updated Wi-Fi ranging support.
Additionally, the Companion Device Manager now includes two new profiles — medical devices and fitness trackers — making permission handling and device recognition easier.
Official Timeline
According to Google’s official timeline, the “Platform Stability” phase will begin next month.
During this phase, SDK/NDK APIs and app-facing behaviors will be finalized. The stable version of Android 17 is expected to arrive sometime in Q3 2026.
