MOUNTAIN VIEW, United States — Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta, introducing a range of privacy, customisation, and usability upgrades ahead of the platform’s expected official launch later in 2026.
The beta release gives developers and early adopters early access to features that are nearing finalisation. While largely stable, the update still carries typical pre-release risks such as bugs, crashes, and app compatibility issues.
Granular contact permissions
One of the headline changes in Android 17 Beta is enhanced privacy controls for contact access. Users can now choose specific contacts to share with an app rather than granting access to the entire address book.
Apps can also request limited data, such as only phone numbers or email addresses. The updated permission interface aims to reduce unnecessary data exposure and give users greater transparency over how apps access personal information.
Forced dark mode across apps
Android 17 Beta also expands system-wide dark mode. Users can force dark mode on apps that do not natively support it and toggle the feature on a per-app basis.
The update includes improved rendering designed to reduce visual glitches and deliver a more consistent experience, particularly in low-light environments.
Expanded customisation features
The update introduces additional personalisation tools, including the option to hide app labels and cleaner quick settings controls. Android 17 Beta also adds floating app windows for multitasking, allowing users to run multiple apps more efficiently.
Camera and media improvements are also included, with support for RAW14 image capture and smoother navigation for photography apps. The enhancements are expected to benefit advanced users and content creators.
Smarter audio controls
Google has added more flexible audio routing options, enabling users to choose where sound plays, such as speakers, wired headphones, or wireless devices. The update also includes accessibility-focused audio improvements.
Beta risks remain
Despite the improvements, Google warns that Android 17 Beta is not intended for primary devices. Some apps may not yet be optimised, and features such as forced dark mode can still cause layout issues or unreadable text in certain applications.
The beta is currently available through the Android Beta Program for compatible devices, including Google Pixel 6 and newer Pixel models.
