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Google has begun rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 to testers and confirmed Android 17 Beta 1 is arriving soon for enrolled Pixel devices. While details remain scarce, early reports hint at UI tweaks, including a redesigned notifications panel and separate Quick Settings gestures.
Google has begun rolling out the Android 16 Quarterly Platform Release 3 (QPR3) Beta 2.1 update to enrolled testers, while also confirming that the first beta build of Android 17 will soon follow. The announcement signals the closing stages of the current testing cycle and the start of the company’s next major Android beta programme.
The update was shared by the Android Beta Team earlier this week on Reddit, with eligible Pixel users expected to receive the software automatically over the air.
Android 17 Beta 1 set to arrive soon
According to the team, the first beta version of Android 17 will begin rolling out shortly to devices already enrolled in the Android Beta Programme. Although Google has not provided an exact release date, the company says participating Pixel handsets will receive the new firmware as soon as it becomes available.
At present, Google has not disclosed key details about the upcoming operating system. Information about design changes, new features, supported devices and the full release schedule remains under wraps.
How the update will be delivered
Pixel owners who remain enrolled in the beta programme will automatically get the Android 17 Beta 1 update once it is pushed live. Users who prefer to avoid early software builds must opt out after installing the stable Android 16 QPR3 version.
If they do not leave the programme, their devices will automatically download the Android 17 Beta 1 26Q2 firmware.
Google has advised users to wait for the stable QPR3 release before opting out. The over the air notification will include a “Downgrade” option, allowing users to return to the public build. However, downgrading will erase all data stored on the device, which means backups are essential.
Why beta programmes matter
Android’s beta testing programme allows users to try new features ahead of launch while helping Google identify bugs and performance issues. Feedback from testers plays a key role in refining the software before it reaches the wider public.
Early hints at Android 17 features
While Google has yet to formally reveal what Android 17 will introduce, reports suggest changes may already be in development. Recent leaks indicate the update could feature a redesigned notifications panel.
The notifications shade and Quick Settings menu may also open separately, depending on the swipe direction, which could offer a cleaner and more intuitive interface.
More details about Android 17 are expected to emerge as the beta cycle progresses in the coming months.
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