Recently, Google announced the release of the first Android 17 beta, although it briefly paused distribution without explanation. The good news is that the release has resumed, and Android 17 Beta 1 is now available for Pixel devices.
This build enhances app adaptability and introduces significant improvements to camera and media capabilities. Furthermore, Android 17 features expanded profiles for companion devices and new tools to optimize connectivity.
Google has also replaced Developer Previews with Android Canary, introduced last year. The Canary channel offers three key advantages:
- Faster Access: Features and APIs are available in Canary as soon as they pass internal testing, bypassing the quarterly release schedule.
- Better Stability: Early testing in Canary leads to a more refined Beta experience, with new APIs and behavior changes closer to final versions.
- Easier Testing: Canary supports OTA updates, eliminating the need for manual flashing. As a separate update channel, it integrates better with CI workflows, providing the earliest opportunity for feedback on upcoming changes.
In addition to the Android 17 beta launch, Google plans to transition quickly to its Platform Stability milestone, expected next month.
The company also revealed its schedule for quarterly Android 17 updates, with the next release anticipated in Q2 2026. This update will introduce various app-breaking behavioral changes, and a minor SDK release is slated for Q4.
If you own a Pixel device that's enrolled in the Android beta program, you will receive Android 17 Beta 1 as an OTA update. If you’re not enrolled, you can click here to join the beta program and view the list of eligible devices here.
If you do not have an eligible Pixel device, you can still experiment with Android 17 Beta 1 using the 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.
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