In a recent announcement, Google revealed plans for the beta release of Android 17, initially set for today. However, the launch has been delayed without any official clarification from the tech giant. Despite this setback, Google has shared an array of exciting features and enhancements that will accompany the new operating system.
Android 17: New features and improvements
One of the standout changes in Android 17 is the new policy regarding app orientation and size. Developers will no longer have the option to lock their applications to specific orientations, encouraging a more flexible approach to app design, particularly for large-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets. Apps targeting Android 17 (SDK 37) will need to support resizing and windowed multitasking, a shift that promises to enhance user experience across various devices.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Z Fold devices are poised to gain significantly from this update, as the new regulations aim to improve app functionality on the forthcoming version of ChromeOS, which is built on the Android framework.
Another noteworthy enhancement is the introduction of professional-grade camera APIs. These APIs will facilitate smoother transitions between different camera lenses, minimizing the freezes and stutters that can occur when switching between ultrawide, primary, telephoto, and front-facing cameras. Furthermore, developers will have access to metadata from all camera sensors, allowing for more seamless zoom transitions and a richer photographic experience.
Android 17 will also support Versatile Video Coding (VVC), or H.266, a cutting-edge video compression format that promises to deliver higher-quality video at reduced file sizes. Additionally, VoIP calls made through apps like Messenger, Telegram, and WhatsApp can now be integrated into the phone’s built-in dialer, provided developers choose to implement this feature. Enhanced Wi-Fi ranging capabilities will allow compatible devices to measure distances to nearby devices with greater accuracy.
The update introduces new profiles for “Fitness Trackers” and “Medical Devices,” streamlining the permission process when these devices connect to phones or tablets. Moreover, Android XR devices, such as the Galaxy XR, will see improvements in app responsiveness and display state changes, enhancing overall user interaction.
While many of these updates are geared towards developers, end-users may not notice the changes until developers integrate support into their applications. More visible features, including enhanced gaming experiences, new visual effects, and improved copy-paste functionality across devices, are anticipated to surface closer to the stable release of Android 17.
When will stable Android 17 release?
According to Google’s official timeline, additional beta versions of Android 17 will be rolled out over the coming months. The platform is expected to achieve developer stability by March 2026, with a stable update anticipated around June 2026. Initially, the update will be available on Pixel devices, followed by other eligible Android phones and tablets.
One UI 9, which will be based on Android 17, is likely to make its debut alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Galaxy Z Fold 8, both of which are expected to be unveiled in June 2026.
