What you need to know
- Google is rolling out Android 17 Beta 4.1, which focuses on fixing issues with hearing aids and the status bar.
- The patch notes highlighted several other Android manufacturers with phones supported on the Android 17 beta, such as Honor, Xiaomi and Vivo.
- Google is moving fast, testing its first major quarterly software release alongside a major beta.
While the planned releases for Android 17 beta have already rolled out, Google is bringing another iterative update to fix a few lingering issues.
Google has published the changelog for Android 17 Beta 4.1 On RedditIt extends from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel 10 and the Pixel Tablet. Users should be aware that Beta 4.1 carries two firmware numbers. Registered testers with Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will receive CP21.260330.011.A1. All other devices will find CP21.260330.011. Google is likely working on fixing a few issues that surfaced during testing before Android 17 makes its official debut.
Google is rolling out a fix for the status bar. It was found that it would “incorrectly display zero signal bars despite an active connection”. Another fix is introduced for the accessibility of Android 17. The patch notes say that an issue that caused hearing aids to be “automatically forgotten from paired devices after inactivity or charging” has been fixed.
The rest of the patch notes are as follows:
- A UI sync issue where the mobile data Quick Settings icon remains active in Airplane mode
- Problem with external displays dimming when selecting high resolution
- Bluetooth audio routing issue causing playback silence after system timeouts such as timers
A little house cleaning
Google also points out that users with other Android phones from different manufacturers can also access the Android 17 beta. This means Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Vivo and Xiaomi phones are compatible. If you’re interested (and have a supported device), you can Follow Google’s instructions How to start.
We tested it with Google last planned beta for Android 17 cycle from April. The company’s main focus was stability ahead of Android 17, which should be released in mid-2026. Along with improved performance and battery life for phones, application memory limits have been implemented to reduce excess RAM usage. Developers were also encouraged to optimize their apps in preparation for the stable release of Android 17.
Google doesn’t waste much time either. The first QPR of Android 17 is tested, Beta 3 has been released for users at the end of May. Fixing bugs was its focus, but Android has moved closer to the frosted glass design in this beta version.
Android Central’s Take
Google has been on a tear with Android 17 this year, wasting no time rolling out beta versions and even testing the first quarterly patch. While we expect it to drop in mid-2026, there’s a chance we could match it with the Pixel 10 series.
