Briefly, the primary Android 17 beta is chock stuffed with issues which will curiosity builders and modders, however there’s little in the way in which of user-facing adjustments proper now.
Android 17 launch schedule
Google has made some notable adjustments to the way it releases Android updates, and Android 17 continues the pattern. Like final yr, there will likely be two Android 17 releases in 2026. The primary one, coming in Q2, would be the extra important of the 2. It’s going to embody a raft of latest APIs, behavioral adjustments, and have updates. This break up launch setup was applied to higher align with when main OEMs launch new gadgets, however Android 17 availability nonetheless focuses primarily on Pixels. Google’s telephones obtain rapid updates, however everybody else has to attend for OEMs to roll out updates over the next weeks or months.
On the finish of the yr, one other model (you possibly can consider it as Android 17.1 despite the fact that Google doesn’t give it a reputation) will grow to be out there on supported gadgets. This “minor SDK launch” will embody some API and have adjustments, however Google doesn’t have any particulars at the moment.
Earlier than we get to that, Google plans to launch a second beta launch in March. The corporate says Beta 2 will embody last APIs, permitting builders to finish testing and roll out updates. Builders can have “a number of months” to get that work finished earlier than the ultimate model hits Pixels.
In 2025, Google additionally modified the way in which it updates the open supply components of Android. Quite than common code dumps, Google now solely updates the Android Open Supply Mission (AOSP) twice yearly, within the second and fourth quarters, when new variations are launched. That makes it tougher to know what to anticipate from upcoming variations of Android, however Google insists that is extra environment friendly.
If you wish to try Android 17 in the present day, you’ll want a Pixel system. It helps the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, Pixel 9, and Pixel 10 generations. The Pixel pill and unique Pixel Fold are additionally included. Different telephone makers could launch beta builds within the weeks forward, however it’s a Google-only occasion for now. You possibly can decide in to get an OTA to Android 17 on the beta program web site.
Leave a Reply