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Android 17

Android 17 QPR1: What Pixel Gets
AppWizard
September 26, 2026

Android 17 QPR1: What Pixel Gets

Android 17 QPR1 began its stable rollout in the United States on September 15, 2026, coinciding with Google’s September Pixel Drop. This update introduces the Pause Point feature, which temporarily halts access to a selected app for 10 seconds, allowing users to reconsider their choice. The update is compatible with Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 through the Pixel 10a generations, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold models. The rollout is staged, leading to varying delivery times for users. Pause Point imposes a 10-second delay when accessing a configured app, offering options like breathing exercises and alternative app suggestions. Disabling Pause Point requires a phone restart. Scam protection features vary by region, with Gboard scam warnings initially exclusive to the U.S. for Pixel 6 and newer devices, while notification-based Scam Detection has expanded to nine additional regions, excluding Spain. Android 17 QPR1 also includes a refresh of the Pixel interface, adding a new Keyboard tile to Quick Settings and improving visual aesthetics with enhanced translucent and blurred backgrounds. Screen recording defaults to capturing a single app, and the VIPs widget has been upgraded for easier calling and messaging. Google and Audible have collaborated to provide Harry Potter-themed packs for Pixel users, featuring customized wallpapers and icons, along with a two-month Audible trial, though eligibility conditions are unspecified.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 is rolling out: unexpected reboots and kernel crash fixes lead the way
AppWizard
September 25, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 is rolling out: unexpected reboots and kernel crash fixes lead the way

Google is rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 to Pixel testers to fix various issues, including crashes and unexpected reboots. The update addresses a reboot issue with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold related to third-party apps when opening the camera viewfinder. It follows the release of QPR2 Beta 5 and achieves Platform Stability, with all devices aligned on build numbers. Notable fixes include resolving a system kernel crash during simultaneous access to the camera and microphone, a visual regression affecting content display, a blank screensaver issue while charging, problems with dismissing locked applications, and device crashes during scrolling. Google has also temporarily removed blurred notifications on the lock screen to address certain bugs.
Google rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 for Pixel
AppWizard
September 25, 2026

Google rolling out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 for Pixel

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6 has been released for Pixel devices, following Beta 5. This update aims to improve user experience by fixing several issues. Users can report bugs via the Android Beta Feedback app. The version number is CP41.260831.007. The beta is compatible with various devices, including Pixel 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, and 10a. Pixel 11 series devices are not supported in this beta release. Users can join the Android Beta Program for over-the-air updates.
GrapheneOS just confirmed its first supported non-Pixel phone
AppWizard
September 24, 2026

GrapheneOS just confirmed its first supported non-Pixel phone

GrapheneOS has announced that the Motorola Signature 27 will be its first supported device from Motorola. This decision was confirmed on social media, with GrapheneOS stating it would be the initial supported phone. The Signature 27 features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chip and promises seven years of operating system and security updates. Key features include hardware memory tagging and enhanced secure-element integration. GrapheneOS aims to provide alternatives to Google’s Pixel phones while focusing on privacy and security. The announcement follows challenges GrapheneOS faced with Google regarding the Pixel 11 and access to certain Android APIs. Additionally, GrapheneOS is revamping its software ecosystem, including updates to its Messaging app and new privacy features.
Nothing Phone (4a) and (3a) Pro can now join Android 17 open beta
AppWizard
September 22, 2026

Nothing Phone (4a) and (3a) Pro can now join Android 17 open beta

Nothing has released the Nothing OS 5.0 open beta for the Phone (4a), Phone (3a Pro), and Phone (3a) ahead of the official launch of Android 17 next month. The Android 17 package includes enhancements such as newly designed widgets, upgrades to the camera application, and a dedicated Glyph app for managing light controls. The rollout is on schedule, with the Phone (2a) and Phone (2a) Plus set to receive updates in October, and the official Android 17 build for the Phone (4a) and Phone (3a) series expected in early November, concluding by January 2027.
What Google’s new Android laptops can do with your Galaxy phone
AppWizard
September 22, 2026

What Google’s new Android laptops can do with your Galaxy phone

Google has launched preorders for Googlebooks, a new category of laptops that combine Android's mobile capabilities with ChromeOS features. Initial offerings come from manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, while Samsung is not included in this launch. Googlebooks are designed to integrate with Android phones, allowing users to transfer information during setup. Key features include Continue On, which lets users pick up tasks started on their phones, and Cast My Apps, enabling control of phone applications on the laptop. Quick Access allows users to open files from their phones without transferring them first, and notifications can be managed on the Googlebook. Users need to have One UI 9 (Android 17) or newer to utilize these features. Samsung is reportedly developing its own Android-based Galaxy Book laptops that may incorporate similar functionalities.
GrapheneOS Isn't Happy With Google Over Pixel's Widening Head Start
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

GrapheneOS Isn’t Happy With Google Over Pixel’s Widening Head Start

Google's September 2026 Pixel Update Bulletin includes patches that affect standard Android platform code, relevant to both Pixel and non-Pixel devices, which have not been included in the regular monthly Android Security Bulletin. GrapheneOS has noted that Android 17 QPR1 introduced new developer APIs not present in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for the first time since Android Honeycomb, with one new package and modifications to sixteen others. GrapheneOS is backporting Pixel firmware and drivers from QPR1 onto Android 17 but lacks permissions to distribute this work. Additionally, there has been a delay in Google’s compliance with a GPL source request, with access granted over two weeks after the initial request. Starting in 2027, Google will require all Android app developers to register with them and provide legal identification and signing key evidence, complicating the process of sideloading unverified apps. GrapheneOS and other organizations are advocating for the Keep Android Open campaign against these developments, which may restrict competition and tighten Google's control over the Android ecosystem.
Android apps can now check security patches down to individual device components
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

Android apps can now check security patches down to individual device components

The new AndroidX Security State libraries, with stable releases of Security State v1.1.0 and Security State Provider v1.0.0, allow developers to evaluate the security status of individual device components. They provide three levels of security patch information: Device Security Patch Level (DSPL), Published Security Patch Level (PSPL), and Available Security Patch Level (ASPL). These libraries enable checks on critical components of the Android operating system, including system modules and the Linux kernel, which are represented by version numbers rather than monthly patch dates. Applications that prioritize security can utilize this detailed patch information to assess vulnerabilities, particularly those tracked as Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). The libraries also integrate with the Open Source Vulnerabilities (OSV) database for access to Android Security Bulletin data and device-specific vulnerability reports. Additionally, Android 17 allows manufacturers to declare individual security fixes beyond the stated security patch level, and Google is working with manufacturers to transition their OTA update clients to this new standardized system.
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5: key changes
AppWizard
September 18, 2026

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5: key changes

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 was released on September 15, 2026, with a public rollout for Pixel devices starting the next day. This beta version enhances the Proactive Assistance feature on Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 devices, allowing users more control over personalized suggestions and addressing various bugs. It is a development build for supported Pixel devices and Android Emulator images, with identified builds CP41.260828.004.A8 and CP41.260828.005.A6, and a security patch level dated August 5, 2026. The update package size for the Pixel 10 Pro XL is approximately 667 MB. The notable change in Beta 5 is the introduction of two Proactive Assistance entries in the Settings menu, allowing users to manage proactive suggestions more effectively. The updated settings page includes a "Use app content for suggestions" option, enabling users to control which applications can share screen content and notifications. Google's release notes list several fixes, including issues with Bluetooth device icons, unexpected reboots, missing volume controls, search-field highlight rendering, unlocking Private Space, HDR behavior, Google Wallet touchscreen unresponsiveness, camera crashes, and distorted Bluetooth call audio. The stable release of Android 17 QPR2 is expected in December 2026, and users are advised that Beta 5 is a developmental tool that may contain errors. Additionally, new restrictions on programmatic USSD requests for call forwarding have been introduced to reduce potential fraud.
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