Android 17 QPR1: Google releases first beta of Pixel Drop for September

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Google has released the first beta of Android 17 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release) for Pixel devices. The preview version with build number CP31.260403.005.A1 can be tested on the Pixel 6 and newer models from the manufacturer. The final version is expected to be released in September as a “Pixel Drop” for Google's Pixel devices.

Android 17 QPR1 Beta stable according to Google

While the major update to Android 17 is largely complete – it already reached platform stability in March, allowing developers to adapt their apps to the new interfaces – the Google development team is working on the first QPR release based on the new Android version.

This means Google is faster this year than last: the first QPR1 beta of Android 16 was only released at the end of May 2025. However, this is likely due to Google wanting to explain the larger design changes that came with Material 3 Expressive during the Android Show in May. This year, Android 17 does not bring another major visual update.

QPR versions typically contain new features and enhancements to existing ones. However, the first beta of Android 17 QPR1 appears to have no new features. Instead, the update primarily contains bug fixes. Google also states that this version does not have any new interfaces – these are only delivered semi-annually, as the company already announced in 2024. New interfaces are included in the major release (e.g., Android 16 and 17) and in QPR2, which is usually released in December. Google says that the interface changes in QPR2 are “largely additive and designed to minimize additional app testing.”

The manufacturer further explains that “these builds are suitable for general use.” This is not the case for developer previews and beta versions for upcoming major versions.

Bugfixes

According to Google, the update fixes several known issues. For example, the new version fixes a bug in the default print service “that occurred at low ink levels and prevented users from completing print jobs” (Issue #487545419). Furthermore, Google is fixing a bug in the terminal app in QPR1 Beta 1, where an ANR (“App Not Responding”) error was triggered, “causing the app and device to become unresponsive” (Issue #497465940).

The update also addresses a problem “where uncontrollable hardware audio processing on the voice communication path led to distortion and phase cancellation in VoIP applications” (Issue #494843726). Additionally, the update resolves a bug that occurs with direct audio output. On devices using AIDL audio HAL, the audio output would not open when audio streams were played for longer than five seconds (Issue #372064012), according to Google.

Waiting for Android 17

Google points out that beta users who want to install the upcoming stable version of Android 17 on their Pixel device should not install the offered QPR beta. Those who wish to receive the stable Android 17 version must also unenroll from the beta program and wait for the final update; this way, all data on the device will be preserved.

If you unenroll from the beta program after installing Beta 1 or future updates, “all user data on the device will be erased according to standard program policies,” the company further explains.

(afl)