[Update: Google has inexplicably paused the rollout of Android 17, but says the release will be on track on soon. The original story is as follows.]
Android 17 is here, and if you’re among the brave souls who can drive early-stage software, the build is already available to download on Pixel smartphones. Google has just rolled out the first test build of Android 17, and this one brings a few crucial changes.
Google is now shifting to a Canary channel for in-development Android updates, just the way it seeds beta updates through the Canary channel for the Chrome browser. The Developer Preview updates are getting sidelined in favor of Canary builds, starting with Android 17.
The beta testing phase will also be relatively shorter, and Google expects to reach platform stability at some point in March. This is the stage where all the core features and app functionalities are locked. Once there, it will be a few more months before the stable build is released widely.
What’s new in Android 17?
A crucial change that comes with Android 17 is the focus on app adaptability. Android devices now come in all shapes and formats, from clamshells and tablets to book-style foldables and wide-folding phones. To offer experiences that can adapt to these different screen sizes and aspect ratios, adaptability is a must.
To that end, developers will no longer be able to opt out of resizability and orientation restrictions. “Users expect their apps to work everywhere—whether multitasking on a tablet, unfolding a device, or using a desktop windowing environment—and they expect the UI to fill the space and respect their device posture,” says Google.
How to try Androd 17?
With Android 17, Google is touting a bunch of improvements to privacy, connectivity, camera, and security. Google is also claiming improvements to how health data is handled, and fitness devices work in tandem with your phone. For camera enthusiasts, Google is touting a smoother experience with switching between camera features with minimal stutters.
On the performance side, system interactions such as notifications will hog less memory, and optimizations have been made to make the devices feel more fluid during day-to-day usage. The first beta build of Android 17 is now available for the Pixel 6 series and later models. You can sign up for the beta program and get an OTA update on eligible devices.
