Android 17

Google has begun rolling out the first beta of Android 17 to compatible Pixel devices, with a focus on refining existing features rather than introducing sweeping changes. The release, which arrived February 13, 2026, according to Android Authority, marks a shift in Google’s development cycle, utilizing the Android Canary channel for ongoing developer previews and accelerating the public beta phase.

Among the initial improvements, users can now remove the “At a Glance” widget from their home screens. This feature, which displays information like weather, calendar appointments, and flight details, has been a staple of the Pixel experience, but its persistent placement at the top of the home screen has been a frequent point of criticism. The Android 17 Beta 1 release allows users to reclaim that screen real estate without losing access to the widget on the lock screen, a change some users previously experienced in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, but now more widely available.

The update also introduces customization options for the Google Search bar on the Pixel home screen. Previously, the search bar offered limited personalization. Users can now adjust the theme, transparency, and shortcut functionality via a “Widget settings” button accessible by long-pressing the search bar. Options include shortcuts to News or Saved items, or the ability to disable the shortcut altogether. This brings the home screen search bar in line with the customization options already available for the standard Google Search widget.

Google is releasing the Android 17 Beta to a broad range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a, extending support for the older devices through what is likely their final major Android update, as software support for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro ends in October 2026. The rollout also encompasses newer models, up to and including the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, and the upcoming Pixel 10a. The full list of supported devices includes the Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a. (Android Authority, NotebookCheck)

Even as the initial beta is relatively light on modern features, Google has indicated that further updates will include a redesigned notification panel and Quick Settings, a universal clipboard, and an App Lock feature. The company is targeting a platform stability release in March and a final, stable version of Android 17 in or around June 2026. (Digital Trends)

The Android 17 Beta 1 build is identified as CP21.260116.011.B1, with a slightly different build number, CP21.260116.011.A1, for the Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7. The security patch level for Beta 1 is dated January 5, 2026. (NotebookCheck)

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.