TL;DR Android 17 Beta 1 is now available with big changes for adaptive apps, performance, and media as well as camera tools.
Google has reiterated its commitment to releasing continuous Android updates, backed by the Android Canary program.
A wide range of Pixel phones and tablets are eligible to receive the Android 17 Beta 1 update.
Update, February 13, 2026 (02:36 PM ET): We’re a couple days behind schedule now, but Google has finally confirmed the arrival of Android 17 Beta 1. Update, February 11, 2026 (02:13 PM ET): While Google initially intended to release Android 17 Beta 1 today, it looks like there’s been a last-minute change of plans. The company now tells us that the Beta is “coming soon.” We’ll update this post with any further details that arrive. Original article, February 11, 2026 (01:00 PM ET): Google is officially releasing Android 17 Beta 1, kicking off the next phase of its annual Android platform release cycle. This latest beta update focuses on helping developers build more adaptive, performance-optimized apps and introduces many new tools for media and camera experiences.
Android 17 Beta 1: New features
A photo of a Pixel phone displaying the Android Bot logo and the word "Android 17." Original photo by C. Scott Brown. Modified by Gemini Nano Banana Pro to include the logo and word mark.
As is usually the case with first betas, Android 17 Beta 1 is very developer-focused. It’s less about flashy new user features and more about ensuring apps work as intended and implement Android’s new requirements and improvements. Here are some of the big upgrades headed out with the update:
Adaptive apps required across screens One of Android 17’s biggest upgrades is related to app adaptability. Under Google’s new adaptive roadmap, developers will no longer be able to opt out of orientation and resizability requirements for apps on large screen devices. The new rule applies to Android devices with a smallest width of 600dp or more, which typically means tablets, foldables in their unfolded mode, and desktop-style windowed environments.
So apps targeting Android 17 (SDK 37) need to properly support resizing and windowed multitasking, and can no longer be locked to a fixed orientation or aspect ratio. This is certainly good news for those who already use foldable phones or aspire to use one in the future.
New media and camera capabilities Android 17 Beta 1 also brings tools aimed at improving media and camera app experiences across Android devices. Google is introducing professional-grade camera APIs for smoother transitions, allowing camera apps to switch between modes without fully restarting the camera session. The idea is to eliminate small freezes, visible glitches, and delays when switching camera modes.
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