Google has officially released the Android 17 Beta 1 update, marking an exciting step forward for Android users and developers. After a brief delay from its planned launch, the company rolled out its first beta on February 13, 2026. This update brings major improvements in performance, camera features, media handling, and connectivity. It also introduces a new development approach with the Android Canary program, which replaces the old Developer Preview model for faster feature access.
The Android 17 Beta 1 update focuses on making apps more adaptable, particularly on large-screen devices such as tablets and foldables. Google prioritises privacy, security, and a smoother experience in this release. So, here is all you need to know about this update.
Android 17 beta 1 update: Key Changes In Orientation And Performance
Android 17 removes restrictions on app orientation and resizability for large screens (over 600dp width). Developers can no longer force fixed orientations or aspect ratios on big displays, which helps apps adapt better to tablets and foldables.
Also Read: Android 17 Release Date And Features: Early Details Leak
- The system ignores manifest attributes and APIs that restrict orientation or aspect ratio on large screens.
- Games (using the android:appCategory flag) stay exempt from these rules.
- Users control aspect ratios through system settings for opt-in or opt-out.
- Configuration changes no longer restart activities by default for minor UI updates.
Performance gets a big boost too with Android 17 Beta 1 update:
- A new lock-free MessageQueue reduces missed frames and improves smoothness for apps targeting Android 17.
- Generational garbage collection in ART lowers CPU usage and speeds up memory management.
- Apps cannot modify static final fields anymore, allowing better runtime optimizations.
- Custom notification views face size restrictions to cut memory use.
- New ProfilingManager triggers help developers debug performance issues faster.
Enhancements In Media, Camera, And Connectivity
The Android 17 Beta 1 update shines with professional tools for camera and media apps. Developers gain dynamic session updates to switch modes (like photo to video) without glitches or delays.
- Use updateOutputConfigurations() in CameraCaptureSession for seamless surface changes.
- Access extra metadata from all physical cameras in logical multi-camera setups.
- Add support for Versatile Video Coding (VVC/H.266) for better video compression.
- Set constant quality mode in MediaRecorder for video recording.
- Background audio restrictions ensure user-initiated changes only.
Connectivity and privacy also improve:
- Enhanced VoIP call history and WiFi ranging with proximity detection.
- Deprecate cleartext traffic by default for safer networks.
- New HPKE hybrid cryptography for secure communications.
- Expanded CompanionDeviceManager profiles for medical devices and fitness trackers.
Users with Pixel 6 and newer devices can join the Android Beta Program to receive the Android 17 Beta 1 update over-the-air. Developers can also test it via Android Emulator in Android Studio.
Google targets Platform Stability in March 2026, with final APIs and behaviors. Quarterly updates follow, leading to the full release. This beta offers an early look at a more refined, efficient Android future.
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