Android 17 enters beta with new privacy, media, and dev tools
Updated on February 20, 2026 7 minutes read
Frequently Asked Questions
Which devices can install Android 17 Beta 1?
Android 17 Beta builds are available on supported Google Pixel devices and in the Android Emulator. Supported Pixels include Pixel 6 through Pixel 10 families, plus Pixel Tablet and foldables like Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
What does “API level 37” mean for developers?
API level 37 is the platform API level associated with Android 17. For teams, it’s the targetSdkVersion milestone that controls which Android 17 behavior changes apply to your app and when you must comply with new defaults.
What changed for large-screen apps in Android 17 Beta?
For apps targeting Android 17, Android enforces adaptivity on large screens (sw ≥ 600dp) by removing the developer opt-out for orientation and resizability restrictions. Manifest constraints like screenOrientation and resizableActivity are ignored on large screens, with exemptions for smaller screens and apps categorized as games.
What are the biggest privacy and security changes to watch in Beta 1?
Android 17 tightens several defaults and permissions. Examples include certificate transparency (CT) enabled by default for apps targeting Android 17, new loopback protections that introduce a dedicated permission for cross-app localhost communication, and stricter rules around dynamic code loading for native libraries.