Android 17 Beta 1 is around the corner

While Google is still finalizing the latest major update for Android 16, which is expected to be released in March as QPR3 (Quarterly Platform Release), the company is preparing Pixel users registered in the beta program for the next major update: Android 17.

First Beta of Android 17 is Near

As Google writes on Reddit, the first beta of Android 17 will be released very soon. According to the company, the recently released beta version Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 will be the last build before the final version is released. The next step will be Android 17 (26Q2).

According to Google, Android 17 Beta 1 is based on the Android 16 QPR platform version and includes the latest bug fixes and improvements in stability and performance. Users who continue to participate in the beta program will automatically receive Android 17 Beta 1.

If users want to leave the beta program to receive the stable version of Android 16 QPR3, they need to pay attention to certain things, Google explains. Firstly, they must leave the beta program before the release of Android 17 Beta 1. It should be noted that after opting out, users should absolutely not install the offered downgrade OTA. This would completely reset the device and result in the loss of all data. According to Google, they must wait “for the final public stable version of Android 16 QPR3 (CP1A).” This should be available shortly.

If users unsubscribe only after the update to Android 17 Beta 1 has already been offered on their device, they should not install the update. Instead, they must first unsubscribe from the program, ignore the downgrade OTA update, and wait until they are offered the stable version of Android 16 QPR3.

Android 17 Without Developer Previews

With Android 17, Google is breaking new ground in development. While the company still offered developer previews with Android 16, developers can try out new features in the Android Canary channel since July 2025. Unlike developer previews, which were only offered at the beginning of an Android release cycle, the Canary program is open all year round.

According to Google, the new Canary Preview channel should give developers “earlier, more consistent access to features in development.” The company describes this program as a “significant advancement” of the pre-release program. The change is intended to give developers the opportunity to “test new platform features and provide feedback throughout the year, not just in the first few months of a new release cycle,” Google explains.

Furthermore, major Android versions seem to be playing an increasingly smaller role in development. While they bring Android to a new API level, new features are to be released in the future when they are ready. The stable update to Android 17 is expected in June 2026.

(afl)