Since Android 14 QPR2 shifted the development process to a trunk-based development model, build IDs in 2024 began with the letter A (e.g., AP1A, AP2A). In 2025, Google changed the starting letter to B, making the internal codename for Android 16 "Baklava", a dessert starting with B. Following this alphabetical progression, Android 17 in 2026 adopted "Cinnamon Bun", starting with the letter C, as its development codename.
Development
Developer Preview logo of Android 17
Starting with Android 17, traditional Developer Previews have been discontinued and replaced by continuously updated Android Canary builds, marking a transition to an "always-on" testing state for the Android platform.
The development cycle for Android 17 does not terminate immediately after its official release in June. According to the release schedule, Android 17 utilizes a release model featuring a major release in the second quarter followed by a minor SDK release in the fourth quarter, continuing to receive updates via Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs). Notably, Google plans to introduce a "Minor SDK Release" in the fourth quarter of 2026, which may include new API extensions. This allows hardware manufacturers to support hardware features launched at the end of the year without breaking core platform stability. Later, Google said that Android 17 QPR1 (third quarter of 2026), would includes a minor SDK release, explaining that some features could not wait until QPR2 release.
History
Development timeline of Android 17
Beta 1 was released on February 13, 2026.
Beta 2 was released on February 26.
Beta 3 was released on March 26.
Beta 4 was released on April 16.
The stable version was released on June 16.
Features
API level
The API level has been increased to 37.
VVC support
The ability to play back Versatile Video Coding (VVC) media will be available on devices that include hardware decoding support and corresponding drivers.
Background audio enhancements
The audio architecture restricts background audio interactions, including background audio playback, audio focus requests, and volume adjustments.
Free screen orientation and resizability
The system will ignore screen orientation and resizability restrictions, completely removing the option to opt-out of big-screen orientation and resizing limitations that was previously introduced in Android 16.
Frosted glass extension
The frosted glass visual effect has been extended to more UI panels, such as the system volume adjustment slider panel.
Contacts picker
The new contacts picker grants temporary, session-only read permissions to the specific data fields requested by the user, allowing selections from either personal or work profiles. The introduction of this feature minimizes the necessity for applications to request the broad READ_CONTACTS permission to harvest entire contact lists.
App Lock
Allows users to protect individual applications with a password, requiring authentication before the app can be used.
EyeDropper
The EyeDropper API allows applications to request a color value from any pixel on the display without needing broad screen-capture permissions.
Split notifications and Quick Settings
This is an optional feature. When enabled, swiping down from the top-left corner of the screen opens the notification panel, while swiping down from the top-right corner opens the Quick Settings panel.
System-Wide App Bubbles
Users can transform any installed application into a floating, multi-window bubble by long pressing its icon on the home screen launcher.
Version history
Android 17 version history
Version
Release date
Features / Changes
Beta
Beta 1
February 13, 2026
Early Beta release made available to early testers enrolled in the Android Beta Program. Unlike previous releases, Android 17 did not feature traditional Developer Previews.
Beta 2
February 26, 2026
The second beta update.
Beta 3
March 26, 2026
The third beta update. This release reached Platform Stability.
Beta 4
April 16, 2026
The fourth beta update. This is the final scheduled beta release.
Beta 4.1
June 1, 2026
An unplanned fifth beta update.
Final Release
17.0
June 16, 2026
Final release of compatible versions for applications, SDKs, and libraries.
