Google has pushed back the planned release of Android 17 Beta 1, only days after it was expected to arrive on February 11. The company now says the update is ‘coming soon’, signalling a last minute change in schedule as it prepares the next phase of Android’s yearly release cycle.
The first beta of Android 17 is largely aimed at developers. Instead of major visual changes for everyday users, the update centres on improving app performance, stability, and compatibility with new platform rules. Google wants developers to ensure their apps run smoothly before the wider public rollout begins later this year.
Stronger focus on adaptable apps
A major change in Android 17 concerns how apps behave on large screen devices. Under Google’s new adaptive roadmap, developers will no longer be able to restrict apps to fixed screen orientation or size on larger displays.
This rule applies to devices with a smallest width of 600dp or more, including tablets, foldable phones in unfolded mode, and desktop style window environments. Apps built for Android 17 must now properly support resizing and multitasking in windowed mode.
The change is expected to benefit users of foldable devices, where poorly adapted apps often fail to use the full screen or rotate correctly.
Camera, media and audio upgrades
Android 17 Beta 1 also introduces new tools for camera and media apps. Google has added professional grade camera APIs that allow smoother switching between camera modes without restarting the session. This aims to remove small freezes, glitches, and delays when users change modes.
Apps will now be able to access metadata from all active camera sensors, not just the main lens. This should give better insight during zoom or lens switching and help camera apps work more intelligently.
Google has also improved audio controls to keep sound levels consistent across apps. Support for Versatile Video Coding, also known as H.266, has been added. This format can deliver similar or better video quality at smaller file sizes, provided the device supports it.
Performance, privacy and connectivity improvements
The beta includes several under the hood upgrades. These focus on better resource management, faster response times, and improved privacy and security. Connectivity has also been improved, including how internet based calls from apps such as WhatsApp appear inside the system dialer.
Wi Fi Ranging has gained new proximity detection features, helping devices measure distance more accurately and find nearby gadgets more easily.
Google has also introduced new companion device profiles for medical devices and fitness trackers. This simplifies setup by allowing apps to request permissions in a single bundled prompt.
Roadmap and release timeline
Google is moving toward a year round release cycle, with the Android Canary track replacing the older developer preview model. The aim is to deliver features to developers faster and improve stability through continuous feedback.
According to the company’s roadmap, Android 17 is expected to reach Platform Stability by March 2026. The first major stable release for Pixel devices is likely around June 2026, followed by a smaller update in the final quarter of the year.
Supported Pixel devices
Android 17 Beta 1 is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 lineup, Pixel 10 lineup, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Users enrolled in the Android Beta Programme will receive the update automatically once it rolls out.
For now, everyday users may notice little change. The real impact of Android 17 will become clearer in the coming months as more features move from testing to stable release.
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