Android 17 Beta 1 arrives: Google extends Pixel 6 support and eliminates system "junk"

Google has released the first beta of Android 17, opening public testing for the next major Android version. In its announcement, Google says Android 17 continues the push for a platform that prioritizes privacy, security, and refined performance, alongside improvements for adaptable apps, camera and media, connectivity tooling, and companion-device profiles.

To avoid confusion around internal labels: Google references targetSdkPreview = "CinnamonBun" as a preview SDK identifier in the Beta documentation, while the Android 17 emulator system image is labeled “Baklava” in Google’s official download instructions.

Supported Pixel devices

Google’s official Android 17 page lists Beta 1 OTAs and downloads for the following Pixel devices: Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a; 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; Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold.

Build details and security patch level

In Google’s Android 17 release notes, Beta 1 is listed as build CP21.260116.011.B1, with CP21.260116.011.A1 listed for Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 7. The listed security patch level for Beta 1 is 2026-01-05.

How to install Android 17 Beta 1 on Pixel

The simplest route is Google’s Android Beta for Pixel program. Sign in with your Google Account, enroll your eligible Pixel, then check for the OTA in Settings > System > System update.

Google warns that beta builds can include issues that affect normal device operation. Google also says you generally cannot unenroll and revert to a stable public Android version without first wiping locally saved data, and notes the beta may not be available for some carriers.

What’s new in Android 17 Beta 1

Google’s Beta 1 documentation highlights changes spanning adaptable apps and large screens, performance/runtime improvements, and camera/media updates, alongside other platform updates in areas like connectivity and companion-device profiles.

Large-screen app behavior changes

For apps targeting Android 17 (API level 37) on large screens (Google cites sw ≥ 600dp), Android 17 removes the developer opt-out for certain orientation and resizing restrictions, aiming to improve consistency across larger form factors.

Performance updates

Google says Android 17 introduces a lock-free MessageQueue implementation (for apps targeting SDK 37+) intended to reduce missed frames. Google also says generational garbage collection support has been added to ART’s Concurrent Mark-Compact collector to reduce GC cost.

Camera and media improvements

Beta 1 adds dynamic camera session updates via CameraCaptureSession.updateOutputConfigurations() to enable switching use cases without closing the session. Google’s release notes also mention platform support for VVC (H.266) alongside other media and camera changes.