Android 17 Beta 1 launches with stricter large screen rules, performance boosts

Android 17 beta 1 is now available as an over the air update for enrolled devices, following a brief delay and the completion of Android 16 QPR3 testing. Advanced users can also install it manually using Google factory images.

The main platform change is stricter large screen support. Developers must fully support orientation and resizability, and apps can no longer opt out, improving compatibility for foldables, tablets, and other large screen devices.

Android 17 also adds system level performance upgrades through generational garbage collection and updated memory management to reduce CPU use, lower memory consumption, and cut missed frames. Media and camera updates include more consistent loudness handling, tighter background audio controls, smoother camera mode transitions, and VVC H.266 support, plus Wi Fi improvements like better proximity detection and secure peer discovery. Google has not shared a final release date yet.