Google has officially unveiled Android 17 Beta 1, marking the commencement of its annual Android platform release cycle. This initial beta iteration is primarily aimed at developers, focusing on enhancing the adaptability and performance of applications while introducing a suite of new tools designed to elevate media and camera experiences.
Android 17 Beta 1: New features
As is customary with the first beta releases, Android 17 Beta 1 emphasizes developer-centric enhancements rather than user-facing features. The update aims to ensure that applications function seamlessly while adhering to Android’s latest requirements and improvements. Here are some of the noteworthy upgrades included in this release:
Adaptive apps required across screens
One of the standout features of Android 17 is its emphasis on app adaptability. Under the new adaptive roadmap established by Google, developers are now mandated to comply with orientation and resizability requirements for apps on larger screen devices. This directive applies to Android devices with a minimum width of 600dp, which typically encompasses tablets, foldables in their expanded mode, and desktop-like windowed environments. Consequently, apps targeting Android 17 (SDK 37) must support resizing and windowed multitasking, eliminating the option to lock them to a fixed orientation or aspect ratio. This change is particularly advantageous for users of foldable phones and those considering such devices in the future.
New media and camera capabilities
Android 17 Beta 1 also introduces a range of tools aimed at enhancing media and camera app functionalities across devices. Google is rolling out professional-grade camera APIs that facilitate smoother transitions, enabling camera apps to switch between modes without the need to restart the camera session entirely. This enhancement is designed to minimize small freezes, visible glitches, and delays during mode transitions.
Furthermore, Android 17 will allow applications to access metadata from all active physical camera sensors, rather than being limited to the primary sensor. This capability provides camera apps with deeper insights into the operational dynamics during lens switches or zoom transitions. In addition, enhanced audio controls are being introduced to normalize loudness across applications, alongside support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC), also known as H.266. This video compression standard promises to deliver comparable or superior video quality at reduced file sizes, contingent upon the device’s hardware compatibility.
Other Android 17 Beta 1 updates
Several additional developer-focused updates accompany Android 17 Beta 1, including performance improvements aimed at better resource management and quicker interactions. Privacy and security enhancements are also part of the package, along with connectivity improvements that affect how VoIP calls from applications such as WhatsApp are displayed in the system dialer. Notably, Wi-Fi Ranging is receiving new proximity-detection features, which will enable more precise distance measurements and the discovery of nearby devices.
Google is also introducing “Medical Devices” and “Fitness Tracker” companion device profiles, simplifying the setup process for applications that connect to these accessories by presenting a single, bundled permission prompt. On the extended reality front, Android 17 is set to introduce a new engagement mode that will enhance how applications respond to user interactions with extended reality devices, particularly when display states change.
Android 17 release schedule
In a strategic shift towards a year-round release cycle, Google has replaced the previous developer preview model with Android Canary, aiming to expedite the delivery of features to developers. This transition is expected to result in more stable and meaningful beta releases, thanks to a continuous feedback loop between Google and the developer community.
According to Google’s roadmap, Android 17 is slated to follow a release cadence akin to that of Android 16. The company is targeting the Platform Stability milestone for March 2026, with the first major stable release for Pixel devices anticipated in Q2 2026, around June. A subsequent minor release is expected in Q4 2026.
Eligible Pixel devices that will receive Android 17 Beta 1
The Android 17 Beta 1 update is available for a diverse array of Google Pixel devices. The complete list of eligible devices includes:
- 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 XL
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Owners of these devices can enroll in the Android Beta Program to receive the Android 17 Beta 1 OTA update, with automatic updates for those already enrolled.
