Google recently announced Android 17 Beta 1, featuring performance enhancements, H.266/VVC video codec support, improved camera mode transitions, and upgraded privacy and security features. The company no longer releases Developer Previews, following the “continuous Canary channel” approach introduced with Android 16. Thus, the initial release for Android 17 is the “Beta 1” version.
Key changes in Android 17 include:
– Developers must ensure app compatibility with tablets, foldables, and desktop windowing environments for screens wider than 600 dp, except for games using the android:appCategory flag. More details are available in a Google blog post.
– Performance improvements and tools like the Lock-free MessageQueue to reduce missed frames, Generational garbage collection to lower CPU cost, restrictions on modifying static final fields for performance optimization, custom notification view restrictions, and new ProfilingManager triggers for performance debugging.
– Media and camera upgrades: dynamic camera session updates for smooth mode transitions, additional multi-camera metadata, Versatile Video Coding (VVC)/H.266 support, constant quality mode for video recording, and background audio interaction restrictions.
– Privacy and Security: Deprecation of Cleartext Traffic attribute, encouraging migration to Network Security Configuration files, and introduction of HPKE Hybrid Cryptography for secure communication.
– Connectivity and Telecom enhancements: Improved VoIP Call history management and new Wi-Fi Ranging and Proximity Detection capabilities.
– Developer Productivity and Tools improvements with additional profiles for CompanionDeviceManager and unified device association dialogs.
Android 17 Beta 1 is available over-the-air for supported Pixel devices enrolled in the Beta program and can also be tested through the Android Emulator in Android Studio.
Google plans a major SDK release for Android 17 in Q2 2026 with API changes and a minor release in Q4 2026 with additional features but no app-breaking changes. More details are available on the developer site.
Jean-Luc, founder of CNX Software, started the site in 2010, transitioning to full-time writing in 2011. Support CNX Software through cryptocurrency donations, becoming a Patreon member, or shopping via affiliate links on Amazon and Aliexpress.