Overview
- The public beta is available now via the Android Beta Program and downloadable images for eligible Pixels from the Pixel 6 through Pixel 10 lines, plus Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
- Android 17 skips a traditional Developer Preview as Google moves early testing to the continuous Canary track that delivers OTA builds and earlier APIs.
- For apps targeting API level 37, the opt‑out for orientation and resizability is removed, effectively requiring large‑screen adaptability; games are exempt.
- Performance changes target fewer dropped frames, lower garbage‑collection CPU costs, and reduced notification memory use, with media updates including smoother camera mode transitions, a loudness management API, and support for VVC.
- Google targets Platform Stability in March and a final release several months later around June 2026, with a warning that some Android 16 QPR3 beta users cannot opt out without a factory reset until the beta cycle ends.