Main points
- Google has announced the launch of the Android 17 beta, which will start immediately with Beta 1, without any previous Developer Previews.
- The first to receive the new beta version will be Google Pixel smartphone owners, with the ability to automatically update via the Android Beta Program.
Google is preparing Android 17 / Collage 24 Channel/Depositphotos
Google is completing the life cycle of Android 16 and is already preparing the next generation of the mobile OS. The developers have officially confirmed the start of a new beta program, which this time will begin with a changed scheme.
When will the Android 17 beta start and what will change?
Google has released the final Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 patch for Google Pixel smartphones, effectively completing the cycle of the current branch of the system. Immediately after that, it became known about the preparation of Android 17. The first public beta version will appear in the near future, the Android Beta Team announced on Reddit, where they created a separate page for this.
This year, Google is changing its approach to launching a new version of the OS. Previously, the cycle started with Developer Preview and then moved on to public beta builds, but now Android 17 starts right away with Beta 1. For comparison, Android 16 had two Developer Preview versions before open testing.
According to the company, Android 17 Beta 1 is based on the Android 16 QPR platform release and contains the latest bug fixes, as well as stability and performance improvements. That is, the first beta will not be a “raw” experimental build, but a more stable foundation for further development of the system.
What's new?
Previous leaks have been very sparse and point to new features and enhanced mobile gaming capabilities, writes Gizmochina. Graphics optimizations and improved gaming performance are expected, although the full list of changes will only be known after the official launch of Beta 1.
Who will get the update first?
Traditionally, Google Pixel smartphone owners will be the first to receive the new beta. Users who have already installed Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 and remain in the Android Beta Program will automatically receive Android 17 Beta 1 via OTA update.
Those who want to upgrade to the final stable version of Android 16 QPR3 without participating in the new testing must exit the beta program. It is important not to install a downgrade update if the goal is to avoid a complete data reset. An immediate return to the stable version via a special OTA update involves wiping the device according to the program rules.
If the user remains in the beta program, the device will automatically continue to receive test builds of Android 17. The next opportunity to painlessly exit the beta cycle without losing data will appear closer to the end of the program – approximately in June 2026.
When should we expect a stable release?
According to preliminary information, the stable version of Android 17 may be released around June 2026. Other smartphone manufacturers usually get access to beta builds a few weeks after the start of testing on Pixel devices.
Thus, Google is effectively opening a new phase of Android development earlier than expected, and is emphasizing stability from the first beta version. This may indicate a more mature development cycle and a gradual reduction in the distance between test and final releases.