Along with releasing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1, Google also confirmed that the first beta of Android 17 is coming soon. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 marks the final beta release for Android 16, and the next beta program cycle will cover the Android 17 platform release.
This was confirmed in an announcement from the official Android Beta team on Reddit. Since the traditional Developer Preview program has been replaced by the Android Canary program, Android 17 will move directly to the beta release, skipping the usual developer preview releases. The Android Canary program now serves the purpose of Developer Previews and runs as a continuous release channel.
Android 17 Beta 1 will automatically roll out to Pixel users who are enrolled in the Android Beta program. Enthusiasts can easily join the beta program through the official Android beta program page. Those who do not wish to receive Android 17 Beta can opt out of the beta program before the first beta release.
Android 16 QPR3 is expected to be released publicly by the end of this quarter, while the first public release of Android 17 will arrive in the second quarter. This means Google will continue following its quarterly platform release schedule for the next major upgrade.
If you want to test Android 17 in beta, you can simply stay enrolled in the beta program if you are already part of it. If not, you can join the Beta Program now or enroll once the first beta is released.
If you decide to opt out of the beta program, make sure not to apply the downgrade OTA update, as it will wipe your device data. Instead, wait for the public release of Android 16 QPR3 and install it once it becomes available.
Android 17 will be a major upgrade, but its first release may not include all of its planned features and changes. It will be interesting to see what makes it into the first public build of Android 17.
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