Android 17 Beta 1 is coming soon: Here’s what you need to know

Pixel users and Android fanatics, there’s good news for you. Google has just confirmed that Android 17 Beta 1 is coming soon. The first beta will offer early testers a look at what they can expect in the final version.

Some of the notable upgrades and changes expected with Android 17 include deeper multitasking improvements, interactive widgets, and faster performance. Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s Android 17’s real name?

Google has a habit of giving desert codenames to Android versions. For the unversed, Android 16 is internally called ‘Baklava’ and Android 15 was called ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’.

That said, the desert codename or for Android 17 is ‘Cinnamon Bun’.

What are the features of Android 17?

Android 17 is expected to bring new features and upgrades, including improved personalisation options. This includes more dynamic theming and smoother animations across the system. Widgets and notifications are also expected to become more interactive and visually polished.

Google is also working on features like discreet alerts and hidden notifications for locked apps. Further, Android 17 is said to bring virtual gamepad features, letting you enjoy games without a physical controller while giving you the feel of a controller.

The upcoming Android 17 Beta 1 will be based on Android 16 QPR3 and will include bug fixes and stability improvements. Also expect some performance boosts.

What's Android 17 release date?

Android 17 Beta 1 is expected to roll out first to supported Pixel devices, with the stable Android 17 update likely to arrive later in the year after multiple beta testing phases.

Other smartphone brands such as Samsung, Oppo, and Xiaomi are expected to roll out their own Android 17-based updates in the coming months.

How to enroll for Android 17 Beta 1

If you are already enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you won’t need to do anything, and the update will roll out automatically to your device once it’s live.

Those who haven’t enrolled for the Android Beta Program can head to Google’s official Android Beta Program website and enrol themselves.

ALSO READ: Android 17 leak suggests notification details from locked apps will be hidden

As of now, the details about Android 17 are scarce, but we should learn more as we get closer to the public rollout.