Android 17 Beta 1 Has Arrived: Here's How to Install, Compatible Devices, and New Features

Android 17 Beta 1 is available for Google Pixel (photo; x @HimanshiTech)

JAKARTA - Only three days after Google confirmed that Android 17 Beta 1 was coming, the version is now available. The public did not expect the first beta to be released so quickly, but it is now available with improvements to privacy, security, and performance.

There are some significant changes as well, which we will discuss in this article, along with a list of compatible devices and installation steps.

Which Devices are Compatible with Android 17 Beta?

Google Pixel was the first in line to receive the latest beta update, and this year is no different. For now, Android 17 Beta 1 is available for Google Pixel, and will soon be available on devices from other brands.

So, here is the list of Google Pixel devices that are compatible for Android 17 beta:

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

In short, if you have a Pixel 6 or newer, you can install Android 17 Beta 1 build and experience the latest features and all the improvements without waiting months for a stable launch.

How to Install Android 17 Beta 1 on Google Pixel

If your Google Pixel is running Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 and you haven't opted out of the beta program, you should receive the Android 17 Beta 1 update automatically. The update should be available in Settings > System > Software Update > System Update. Other users should follow the process as mentioned below.

If you're not already part of the beta program, visit google.com/android/beta and select "Opt in" on the device you choose. Make sure you're signed in to the website with the same Google account. Once you've signed up, you should be able to install the latest beta update on your Google Pixel from the Software Update section of the Settings app.

Warning: Before installing any beta updates, it is recommended to back up important data to another device or cloud storage for additional security.

The first beta of Android 17 is largely focused on developers and marks a transition from the traditional "Developer Preview" model to a sustained "Android Canary" program. The Canary channel offers faster access to features and APIs, faster stability, and eliminates the need for manual flashing.

Major Changes for the Big Screen

As for the changes, the first beta imposes stricter requirements for application behavior on large screen devices (smallest width ≥ 600dp), preventing applications from rejecting the ability to resize (resizability) and change orientation. These changes do not affect smaller devices (sw < 600dp).

In addition, apps that run on larger screens, such as tablets, folding devices, or desktop window environments, must now support landscape and portrait layouts and adapt to windows that can be resized.

Performance and System Improvements

Android 17 introduces several low-level changes to improve app efficiency and system health, including:

Lock-free MessageQueue: To reduce dropped frames.

Generational Garbage Collection: To reduce CPU cost and full-heap collection duration.

Strict “Static Final” Fields: To allow the runtime to implement more aggressive performance optimizations.

Camera and Media Improvements

The update also includes important camera improvements, including:

Dynamic Camera Sessions: To allow for a seamless transition between modes.

Constant Quality Recording: For more extensive control.

Versatile Video Coding (VVC): On devices with supported hardware.

Other Features

In addition, the latest beta build includes an improved audio framework, improved VoIP call history (supports avatars and privacy controls), and Wi-Fi Ranging updates (Proximity Detection and secure ranging 11az). CompanionDeviceManager now features two new profiles, Medical Devices and Fitness Trackers, for simplified device identification and permission handling.

According to the official timeline, the "Stability Platform" phase begins next month. At this point, the SDK/NDK API and application-facing behavior will be finalized. A stable release can come around Q3 2026.