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Google Releases Android 17 Beta 1 to Pixel Phones After Brief Delay

The release reflects Google’s shift to a Canary preview track with Platform Stability targeted in March.

Overview

  • The update is rolling out over the air to eligible Pixel devices through the Android Beta Program, with system images also available for many Pixel models and the Android Emulator.
  • Initial builds are CP21.260116.011.A1 for Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, and 7 Pro, and CP21.260116.011.B1 for other supported devices.
  • Pixel users on Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 should leave the Beta Program before installing if they want to return to stable later without a data wipe, with the next opt‑out window in June.
  • Android 17 enforces adaptive app resizability for apps targeting API level 37, removing the prior opt‑out for non‑game apps to ensure layouts fill large screens without letterboxing.
  • Google highlights performance improvements that reduce missed frames, cut garbage collection CPU use, and lower notification memory, along with smoother camera use‑case transitions and a new loudness management API for consistent audio.