MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., February 13, 2026 — Google has released the first beta of Android 17, dubbed Android 17 Beta 1, promising a smoother, more adaptable experience for users and developers alike. Google states this build “continues our work for more adaptable Android apps, introduces significant enhancements to camera and media capabilities, new tools for optimizing connectivity, and expanded profiles for companion devices.”
Google Shifts Gears: Canary Channel Replaces Developer Previews
A new “always-on” model aims for faster updates and a more stable beta experience.
In a significant change to its development cycle, Google is replacing its traditional “Developer Preview” program with a continuous Canary channel, a move announced last year. This “always-on” approach offers three key advantages, according to Google. First, it provides Faster Access, delivering features and APIs to developers as soon as they clear internal testing—eliminating the wait for quarterly releases.
Second, Google anticipates better stability, with early “battle-testing” in the Canary channel leading to a more polished Beta experience. Finally, the Canary channel simplifies testing, supporting over-the-air (OTA) updates, removing the need for flashing, and integrating seamlessly with continuous integration (CI) workflows.
Google plans to move quickly from this initial Android 17 Beta to platform stability, expected next month in March, with the final, stable build arriving several months after that.
Android 17: Quarterly Updates Remain the Norm
The company confirmed that Android 17 will continue to receive updates through a series of quarterly releases. An upcoming release in Q2 is slated to include app-breaking changes, while a minor SDK release is planned for Q4 with additional APIs and features.
What’s new in this release? Google highlighted three key features. The first is the next phase of its Adaptive Roadmap, designed to help developers build apps that function seamlessly across a wide range of devices. Developers will no longer have the option to bypass orientation and resizability restrictions.
What performance improvements are coming with Android 17? The update includes new generational garbage collection, optimized for lower CPU costs, and custom notification restrictions to reduce memory usage.
The second highlighted addition is ‘Performance Improvements.’ Android 17 will deliver several performance enhancements, including new generational garbage collection that optimizes for lower CPU costs and custom notification restrictions to reduce memory usage.
Finally, Android 17 Beta 1 introduces new “professional-grade tools to media and camera apps for a consistent listening experience across apps/hardware and seamless transitions between camera modes.” Google shared additional details in its announcement for those interested.
