It’s interesting how fast Google is moving with Android this year. The 16th major version of the software is only in the fourth Beta phase, and Android 17 is already being tested internally. Samsung was spotted running early builds tied to the Galaxy S26 series days ago. The third Beta is now available for testing.
Android 17 might be out before you say Beta 4
Android 17 has reached platform stability with Beta 3. Google itself has locked the APIs and app behaviour, so they won't be making any more changes. Developers can start updating and publishing apps that target the software.
Beta 1 was released on February 13, with Beta 2 following it 13 days later. The third Beta follows it by exactly 28 days, mirroring February’s length. Among the major upgrades include app freedom on large screens where they must now properly support resizing and different orientations.
Also, apps that load code dynamically now have stricter requirements, especially for native libraries, which must be marked as read-only to prevent tampering. Apps can customize how the photo picker looks so it blends better with designs.
There is support for a more advanced RAW image format used in professional photography. Google even brought back single-tap Wi-Fi toggling, which Android 12 expanded with a panel, so you had to take an extra step to turn it on or off.
If you’re using the larger Quick Settings tile, tapping one side of it immediately turns Wi-Fi on or off again. The other side opens the panel with available networks.
Google also fixed a VPN problem where select apps expect you to be in your real location. Otherwise, they block you or stop working properly. They introduced a system-level way to exclude specific apps from the VPN.
You can choose to hide app labels on the home screen, which puts more emphasis on icon appearance. Desktop-style features are expanding, with interactive picture-in-picture windows that remain usable while floating above other apps.
Last, but not least, you can stop notification sounds from going into your hearing aids, especially if you're sensitive to sound.
How to participate in Android 17 Beta 3
Enroll a supported Pixel device into the Beta program through your Google account. You're eligible as long as you have a Pixel 6 device to Pixel 10.
Log into the Beta website, and it will show you any eligible devices linked to your account. Once you see your device, choose to opt in, accept the terms, and the device will receive the update over the air like a normal software update.
You can use your phone as usual while testing the new version and send feedback directly. You can also join the Android Beta community to report issues or share experiences.
The build is largely unfinished, so expect bugs and battery issues. If you decide to leave the program and return to the stable version, you'll have to factory reset your device and lose all data. Ensure to do a backup beforehand.
