Google has launched Android 17 Beta 4 – the last scheduled beta before the stable release. Discover new app memory limits, major bug fixes, privacy upgrades, and how to install it on your Pixel device today.
Google just dropped Android 17 Beta 4 on April 16, 2026, and it feels like the finish line is finally in sight. This is the last scheduled beta of the 2026 release cycle, which means the platform is now locked for app compatibility and stability testing. If you’re a developer or an eager Pixel owner, this update is all about polish, performance tweaks, and ironing out those last-minute kinks before the full stable version lands around June.
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What’s New in Android 17 Beta 4
The headline change? Conservative app memory limits. Google is introducing smarter RAM management to prevent one rogue app from tanking your entire system’s stability. If an app gets killed by these limits, developers will see a clear “MemoryLimiter” flag in ApplicationExitInfo. It’s a big win for smoother multitasking and fewer surprise crashes—especially on devices juggling heavy apps.
Standout Android 17 Features You’ll Love
While Beta 4 focuses on refinement, the full Android 17 package brings plenty of exciting user-facing upgrades that have been rolling out across earlier betas:
- Privacy and security upgrades like Encrypted Client Hello (ECH) to hide your browsing destinations from snoops, plus Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) signing to future-proof against quantum attacks.
- Smarter UX including seamless device handoff between nearby Android phones, dedicated Assistant volume controls, and semantic color APIs for clearer notifications.
- Enhanced large-screen support for foldables and tablets, plus new profiling tools that help developers catch issues early.
Android 17 Beta 4 proves Google is laser-focused on delivering a mature, secure platform rather than flashy gimmicks. With platform stability already achieved and these final tweaks in place, the countdown to the official launch is officially on. Whether you’re excited for better privacy, smoother performance, or just want to peek at what’s coming, this beta is the perfect taste of Android’s future.