A week ago, the Android 17 Beta 4 update was released — the last scheduled beta before the stable release. You’d think it’s time to relax and wait for the final version. But Google didn’t let us get bored: today the company released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixel devices. This is a different update cycle altogether. To avoid confusion about what exactly was released and why, let’s break down all the features of this update and the specifics of installing it.

The first beta version of the Android 17 quarterly update has been released

What Is Android 17 QPR1

QPR stands for Quarterly Platform Release — a quarterly platform release. This is an intermediate update that Google releases after the main Android release, adding new features and fixing accumulated bugs. Traditionally, QPR1 comes out approximately three months after the stable Android release.

Android QPR — a separate quarterly update that fixes bugs.

Android 17 QPR1 is officially called the “September Feature Drop” — a September improvement package. It’s not Android 18 and not just a security patch, but something in between: a full-fledged update with new capabilities that all compatible devices receive. All new Android 17 features are covered in a separate article, and QPR1 will add another layer of improvements to them this fall.

What’s New in Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1

Honestly, the Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 changes are not exactly a list of exciting new features, but rather a list of fixed bugs. The first beta of a quarterly update traditionally focuses specifically on fixing what was broken or worked unstably. Google fixed four issues:

  • a crash in the default print service that occurred at low ink levels and prevented print jobs from completing;
  • an ANR error in the Terminal app that caused the app and the device itself to become unresponsive;
  • audio distortion and phase cancellation in VoIP apps caused by uncontrolled hardware audio processing on the voice communication path;
  • a direct audio output failure on devices with AIDL audio HAL when playing audio streams longer than five seconds.

For a first beta of a quarterly update, this is a standard picture. New features in QPR1 will appear in subsequent betas as the final September release approaches. For now, this is a purely technical build for those who want to help Google find remaining issues.

Who Will Get Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1

The update is designed for Google Pixel smartphones

The list of Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 smartphones is expectedly limited to Google Pixel devices. The Android 17 beta version within QPR1 is available for a wide range of models (from relatively old to the newest). Supported devices:

  • Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a;
  • Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a;
  • Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold;
  • Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a;
  • Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a;
  • Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Devices from other manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and others) are not included in the QPR1 beta testing program. They will receive the final update later, once manufacturers adapt it for their custom skins.

How to Install Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1

Before you begin, it’s worth understanding: this is a beta build. It’s intended for those who are willing to deal with instability in exchange for early access to new versions. Installing it on your primary smartphone is not recommended. To install Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1, you need to join the beta testing program:

  1. Go to google.com/android/beta using the Google account linked to your Pixel.
  2. Find your device in the list and click “Join the beta testing program.”
  3. Confirm your participation and wait for activation (this usually takes a few minutes).
  4. On your device, open “Settings — System — System update” and check for updates.
  5. Download and install the update the standard way.

To install the update, you need to register in the beta testing program. Image: Ksk Royal

If you want to download Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 manually, system images are available on the Android developers website at developer.android.com. You can also find the OTA package for manual installation there. The build number is CP31.260403.005.A1.

When Will Android 17 QPR1 Be Released for Everyone

The Android 17 QPR1 release date in its final version is September 2026. Until then, Google will release intermediate betas, adding new features and fixing bugs. For participants of the Android 17 beta testing program, each version will arrive automatically via OTA.

Android QPR updates arrive over the air and are available to beta testing program participants.

As for the stable Android 17 release, it is expected in June 2026. That is, stable Android 17 will come out first, and then in September QPR1 will be added with additional features. In short: Pixel will get it first, others — as manufacturers are ready, usually with a delay of one to several months.