Google has released the first beta of Android 17, prioritizing privacy, security, and performance improvements for developers to begin testing. The initial release focuses on providing developers with time to adapt their applications for compatibility with the new operating system.
The first beta version of Android 17 is now available, with a final system release anticipated in June.
Currently, the system doesn’t display “Android 17” but utilizes the codename CinnamonBun. System animations from Android 16 are still visible within the settings. Google has redesigned the desktop search bar, moving away from previous coloring schemes towards a minimalist, less transparent appearance with a highlighted AI search mode. The top bar, including quick launch icons, has similarly been darkened, likely to improve contrast and readability. A curious issue exists with the brightness icon, which is inverted – sliding the control to the right decreases brightness, despite the opposite being true.
The new look of Google’s search widget, color changes and brightness adjustment controls, adjustments to the sound settings menu, and faster switching between photo modes and cameras.
Google has added an animation for shrinking the display when launching Gemini with a gesture from the corner of the screen, mirroring the animation when holding the side button. Gemini also requests one-time microphone access upon first launch, even though it isn’t related to granted permissions. The most significant visual change so far is in the settings menu, which was unnecessarily stretched in previous Android versions. The new layout fits several more items on a single screen compared to the original design.
Beta Version Availability:
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold
You can join the testing program here. However, beta versions are traditionally not recommended for primary smartphones.
When adjusting the volume, the three dots have been replaced with an icon that better represents adjusting a specific phone mode’s volume. Visually, there aren’t many new features yet, but Google still has time to add more. Currently, I’m not seeing any functionality or smoothness issues with the system. The phone initially refused to accept the unlock gesture for a minute after the update (failing to register touches), but that was resolved, and we haven’t encountered any functional issues.
Significant Changes Under the Hood
Android has matured to the point where the biggest innovations are found beneath the surface. A key change is Google preventing developers from disabling certain features related to app rotation or adaptation to large screens. All applications developed for Android 17 must correctly rotate and adapt to screen size – not only on tablets but also on foldable devices. Applications should no longer be stuck in portrait mode or with a fixed aspect ratio, leaving the rest of the screen black. However, these rules do not apply to games.
Another practical improvement is a new approach to the camera. Previously, switching between lenses and shooting modes required a camera restart, causing minor but noticeable pauses. The new Android handles this without restarting, and the difference is already noticeable in the beta version. Android 17 also grants applications access to metadata from all rear cameras, not just the main one. Alternative camera applications will have a better overview of what’s happening and which sensor is active. When recording videos, you’ll also be able to set a constant image quality regardless of scene complexity – the camera settings will adjust automatically.
Further enhancements relate to connectivity and accessory management. Google is introducing specialized profiles for healthcare devices and fitness trackers, simplifying the pairing process and granting permissions – instead of confirming numerous separate requests, you’ll confirm everything with a single click. Wi-Fi Ranging technology has also been improved for more accurate distance measurement between devices, and integration of VoIP calls (e.g., via WhatsApp) directly into the system dialer and call history. Profile pictures for these contacts will then be displayed directly in the Phone app.
Comparison with Apple:
The way Google announces the beta version of the new Android is quite different from Apple. Apple announces even features that don’t yet work in the platform at its WWDC conference (this June) to attract developers or give them a framework for what might eventually work.
Conversely, the Android 17 beta version looks somewhat like a poor relation. Without major announcements or fanfare, just in the form of a press release. Both early system versions target developers primarily, but Google and Apple’s ideas in this regard differ greatly.
Google is also improving tools for volume normalization across applications – background applications should not unexpectedly increase the volume or play sound unless the user initiates it (e.g., with a set alarm). A new codec for video compression – VVC alias H.266 – is also being added, allowing you to watch video in high quality with lower data consumption. However, its utilize is conditional on hardware support from the phone. The new version of Android is expected to bring up to 10% lower processor load, which may have a slight positive effect on battery life.
Android 17 version schedule. The full version will arrive in the second quarter, with additional features arriving in the system later in the year.
The Android 17 beta is currently the first taste of the new system version. While it looks very stable so far, it’s still a beta version – some issues may arise over time. Google generally doesn’t recommend using beta versions on your main phone. The final version of Android 17 will be available in the second quarter of this year, with a release planned for around June.
