Google began rolling out the first public beta of Android 17 to Pixel devices today, February 13, 2026, after a brief delay. The release marks a shift in the company’s Android development cycle, bypassing the traditional Developer Preview phase in favor of a more rapid beta rollout facilitated by the ongoing Android Canary program.
The Android 17 Beta is currently available for a wide range of Pixel phones, encompassing models from the Pixel 6 series released in 2021 to the latest Pixel 10 series. Supported devices include the 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 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.
This broad compatibility means that even older devices, like the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, are included in the beta program. Yet, Google has indicated that October 2026 will mark the end of software support for these two models, making this beta likely their last major Android update. Despite their age, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro will receive five years of updates from their initial launch with Android 12.
Notably absent from the initial list of supported devices is the upcoming Pixel 10a. Google has not yet designated the 10a as compatible with Android 17 Beta 1, presumably due to the phone’s impending launch. The company anticipates supporting the 10a with Android 17 Beta 2, scheduled for release in March, and the device will definitely receive the stable Android 17 update when it becomes available later this spring.
The move to prioritize a public beta, rather than a lengthy Developer Preview, is enabled by the Android Canary program, introduced in June 2025. Canary allows Google to test “cutting-edge builds” and pre-release APIs continuously, resulting in a more refined beta experience and earlier access to stabilized code for other Android manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. The company touts faster access to features, better stability, and easier testing as benefits of the new approach.
The rollout of Android 17 Beta 1 experienced a minor hiccup, with Google initially announcing a February 11 release date before postponing it, citing unspecified last-minute changes. The beta began appearing on supported devices two days later, on February 13, without further announcement. The update is available as an over-the-air update for devices already enrolled in the Android Beta Program, and joining the program requires only a few minutes to complete.
Android 17 continues Google’s focus on adaptive apps designed to fully utilize the screen real estate of larger devices, including tablets and foldables. A developer opt-out implemented last year has been removed for applications targeting API level 37, with the exception of games.
