Third beta released

Google released the third beta of Android 17 QPR3 on October 29, 2026, continuing its development cycle for the upcoming operating system version.

New features introduced

The beta includes 26 fixes and introduces several new features for compatible Pixel smartphones, such as application locking, a blur effect on the lock screen, and a new Camera tile in the Quick Settings.

Application locking details

The application locking feature allows users to protect certain apps from unauthorized access, but it relies on the Pixel device’s identifiers and does not support separate PINs, patterns, or passwords for each app.

Visual enhancements

The blur effect on the lock screen is visible on shortcuts, the fingerprint button, and notifications, enhancing the visual experience while maintaining security.

Bubbles from recent apps

A new feature allows apps to be opened as bubbles from the "Recent" menu, which may benefit users with third-party launchers by improving multitasking.

Camera tile added

The new Camera tile in the Quick Settings gives users an additional and quicker way to access the camera function directly from the settings panel.

Alarm notification update

Google has updated the alarm notification on the lock screen to display the "AM/PM" indication when the 12-hour format is selected, improving clarity for users.

Bug fixes and optimizations

The beta includes several fixes and performance improvements, such as resolving issues with foldable Pixel screens, webcam video quality, the "Force Stop" button, and incorrect wallpaper display on the lock screen.

Bug list shared publicly

Google has shared the complete list of bugs fixed in this beta 3 on Reddit, allowing the community to track progress and provide feedback.