Google has rolled out Android 17 Beta 4, marking the final phase of testing ahead of the platform's stable update. As expected from a last-stage beta, the update is centered on platform stability, with Google urging developers to wrap up app optimisation and compatibility before the stable rollout.
Android 17 Beta 4 Features: What's New?
Android 17 Beta 2 added native controller remapping support and Android 17 Beta 3 brought app bubbles. Now, one of the most notable additions in Android 17 Beta 4 is the introduction of app-specific device memory limits. Based on a device's total RAM, Android 17 now enforces conservative thresholds to prevent excessive memory usage.
Apps that exceed these limits may be flagged or terminated, helping reduce system slowdowns and unnecessary battery drain.
For developers and power users, impacted apps can be identified through system logs via a new "MemoryLimiter" tag, offering better visibility into performance issues.
Google is also advancing its long-term security roadmap with deeper support for post-quantum cryptography. Android 17 Beta 4 adds ML-DSA (Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Algorithm) support within the Android Keystore, enabling "quantum-resistant" digital signatures on supported hardware.
On the privacy front, local network access is now restricted by default for apps targeting Android 17. Applications must explicitly request the new ACCESS_LOCAL_NETWORK permission to communicate with other devices on the same Wi-Fi network, giving users more control over potential data exposure.
Building on feedback from earlier releases, Google has also refined its background audio restrictions. While apps are still limited from playing audio or adjusting volume in the background, Beta 4 introduces exemptions for alarms and certain foreground services, striking a more practical balance between control and usability.
Meanwhile, Android 17 continues its push toward better large-screen experiences. Apps will now be required to support resizable layouts and orientation changes on displays larger than 600 dp, effectively ending the ability for developers to opt out. This move is expected to significantly improve multitasking on tablets and foldables.
Android 17 Beta 4 is now available for eligible Pixel phones, starting from the Google Pixel 6 and newer models. Users enrolled in the Android Beta Programme will receive the update over the air, as Google enters the final stretch before the stable update releases.
