Android 17 Beta 1 Now Available for Pixel Devices

Supported Devices and Availability

The beta is exclusive to Google's Pixel lineup for now, supporting a wide range of models starting from the Pixel 6 series. Eligible devices include:

• Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
• Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold
• Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
• Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a
• Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold

If you own one of these, you can enroll in the Android Beta Program to receive the update wirelessly. For those without a physical device, the beta is also accessible via the Android Emulator in Android Studio, using 64-bit system images. Note that this initial release follows a brief delay earlier in the week, but it's now fully live for participants.

What's New in Android 17 Beta 1

Android 17, codenamed Cinnamon Bun, builds on the foundation of previous versions with targeted improvements. Here's a breakdown of the major updates:

Privacy and Security Enhancements

• The system now deprecates the usesCleartextTraffic attribute, defaulting to disallow unencrypted traffic unless specified in a Network Security Configuration file. This pushes apps toward more secure networking practices.
• Introduction of a Hybrid Public Key Encryption (HPKE) service provider interface for advanced cryptography in apps.

Performance Optimizations

• A lock-free MessageQueue implementation reduces latency in UI threads, though it may affect apps relying on reflection.
• Generational garbage collection in the Android Runtime (ART) for better memory management, available via Play System updates on older devices.
• Enforcement of truly final static fields, throwing exceptions if modified, to ensure code integrity.
• New ProfilingManager APIs for triggering heap dumps on events like cold starts, out-of-memory errors, or high CPU usage.
• Restricted custom views in notifications to improve consistency and reduce potential exploits.

Camera and Media Improvements

• Dynamic updates to CameraCaptureSession configurations without restarting sessions.
• Access to logical multi-camera metadata for better handling of advanced camera setups.
• Support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266) in media frameworks for higher efficiency video playback.
• Constant quality mode in MediaRecorder for more reliable video recording.
• Stricter rules on background audio playback, with APIs failing if not in a valid state.

Connectivity and Companion Devices

• Enhanced VoIP call history with avatar support for richer user experiences.
• Wi-Fi ranging capabilities for precise proximity detection, integrated with Wi-Fi Aware.
• New profiles for medical devices and fitness trackers, along with a unified association dialog for easier pairing.

App Compatibility and Large Screen Support

Developers should note that apps targeting Android 17 (SDK 37) must fully support resizable windows on large screens (600dp or wider). Restrictions on orientation, resizability, and aspect ratios are ignored, requiring apps to handle both landscape and portrait modes across various ratios. Additionally, non-UI configuration changes (like keyboard or navigation mode) no longer restart activities by default; apps can opt-in if needed.

Google recommends testing with Pixel Tablet or Fold emulators set to targetSdkPreview "CinnamonBun" or using the app compatibility framework on Android 16 devices. Platform stability is expected in March 2026, with final APIs following.

How to Install Android 17 Beta 1

Getting started is straightforward:

1. Visit the Android Beta Program website and sign in with your Google account.
2. Select your eligible Pixel device from the list.
3. Opt-in to receive beta updates. The OTA should arrive shortly after enrollment.
4. If already in the beta program from a previous version, you'll automatically get the update to Beta 1.

For manual installation, download system images from the developer site and flash them using Android Studio or ADB tools. Be cautious, as betas may contain bugs that could affect daily use. Back up your data before proceeding, and remember you can opt out at any time to revert to stable Android 16.

Final Thoughts

While Android 17 Beta 1 doesn't introduce flashy consumer-facing changes yet, it lays the groundwork for a more robust and flexible platform. Developers are encouraged to update their apps early to ensure compatibility, especially for foldables and tablets. As the beta program progresses, expect more features leading up to the full release later in 2026. If you're a Pixel owner eager to peek at the future, this is your opportunity, but proceed with caution on your primary device.