Android 17 Beta Arrives Quickly for Supported Pixel Devices
Google has taken a slightly different approach with the release of Android 17. Instead of the usual lengthy Developer Preview phase, the company has leveraged the ongoing Android Canary builds to accelerate the process, allowing the Android 17 Beta to reach users much sooner than in previous years. This means Pixel owners eager to test the latest Android features can do so faster, provided their device is compatible.
Supported Pixel Models for Android 17 Beta
The Android 17 Beta is available for all Pixel phones that are still receiving official software updates. This broad support spans devices from the Pixel 6 series, which launched with Android 12 and will soon mark five years since release, up to the latest Pixel 10 series. The full list of compatible models includes the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a; Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a; Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold; as well as the Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 9 series (including 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and 9a), and the Pixel 10 lineup (Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold).
It’s notable that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, which are approaching the end of their update lifecycle with support ending in October, are still included in this Beta programme. This will likely be their final major Android Beta experience, making it a significant milestone for these devices.
Missing Pixel 10a and What to Expect
One key omission from the current Android 17 Beta compatibility list is the Pixel 10a. This is probably because the device has yet to officially launch. However, it is expected that the Pixel 10a will be supported in the next Beta release, Android 17 Beta 2, anticipated around March. Regardless, the Pixel 10a should receive the stable Android 17 update when it becomes available in the spring.
How to Get the Android 17 Beta on Your Pixel
If your Pixel device is on the compatibility list, installing the Android 17 Beta is straightforward. Users already enrolled in the Android 16 Beta Programme will receive the Android 17 Beta as an over-the-air update. For those not yet enrolled, joining the Beta programme takes just a few minutes through Google’s official Beta enrolment process, enabling you to experience the latest Android features early.
For more details on the Beta programme and to check eligibility, you can refer to official Google resources or trusted tech news outlets that track Android updates closely.
With the Android 17 Beta rolling out swiftly, Pixel users have an exciting opportunity to explore new features and improvements ahead of the stable release. Keep an eye out for further Beta updates and the eventual full launch, which promises to bring the latest Android experience to a wide range of Pixel devices.