Google has continued the launch of Android 17 beta 1, but it is currently available to some Pixel phones. According to Google, this new update is built for the betterment of more adaptable Android apps and enhances camera and media capabilities. The operating system also includes expanded profiles for companion devices and new tools to optimise connectivity.
Notably, Google has once released this update but suddenly stopped the rollout without any explanations. But a day before Valentine's Day 2026, the company made an announcement in its Android Developers Blog that it's releasing the first beta of Android 17 to continue its work to build a platform that prioritises privacy, security, and refined performance.
In addition to the feature that comes with the latest Android OS update, Google has Developer Previews with Android Canary. Notably, Google Developer Previews was introduced last year and has now been replaced with the Canary channel that offers three main benefits, including faster access, better stability, and easier testing.
The Canary channel offers faster access to new features and APIs, making them available as soon as they pass internal testing instead of waiting for a quarterly release. This early rollout allows for real-world “battle-testing”, which ultimately leads to a more stable and polished beta experience because of the APIs and behaviour changes that are closer to their final form.
Canary also makes testing easier by supporting OTA updates by eliminating the need for manual flashing and, as a separate update channel, integrates more smoothly with CI workflows while giving teams the earliest opportunity to provide immediate feedback on upcoming changes. In addition to all these, Google has also made it clear that it'll migrate the Platform Stability milestone next month.
Quarterly updates and eligible devices
Google has also confirmed in the announcement that it'll update Android 17 quarterly. This plan also suggests that the next update will arrive in Q2 2026, and it's the one with which Google will introduce planned app-breaking behaviour changes. In addition to that, a minor SDK release is planned for the update that follows, probably Q4.
However, it's important to note that before you can use this feature on your Pixel device, you'll need to first enrol your device in the Android beta programme. Once enrolled or already enrolled, you'll then receive the Android 17 Beta 1 as an OTA update. You can enrol here to receive the update. But if you didn't receive the update, that means your Pixel phone is not eligible. Here's the list of eligible devices:
- 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 XL
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold
It's also important to note that if you’ve signed in to your Google Account on any eligible devices, the release will be updated automatically on the device. To see your accounts, go to Settings > Accounts. And it's also important to know that your devices must be on a non-Developer Preview public stable build to enrol in the beta programme.
