Google has unveiled Android 17 Beta 1, targeting developers with enhancements for app adaptability and performance. Key features include:
- Mandatory app adaptability for devices with a minimum width of 600dp, requiring support for resizing and windowed multitasking.
- Introduction of professional-grade camera APIs for smoother mode transitions in camera apps.
- Access to metadata from all active physical camera sensors.
- Enhanced audio controls for normalizing loudness and support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC).
- Performance improvements, privacy and security enhancements, and connectivity updates affecting VoIP calls.
- New profiles for “Medical Devices” and “Fitness Tracker” to simplify application setup.
- A new engagement mode for extended reality devices.
Android 17 is set to follow a release schedule similar to Android 16, with Platform Stability targeted for March 2026 and the first major stable release expected in Q2 2026. Eligible Pixel devices for the Android 17 Beta 1 update include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro Fold.