Android 17’s second beta is now available on non-Google phones for the first time. The OnePlus 15 and OPPO Find X9 Pro are the first third-party devices to join the testing program.
Previously, early Android betas were exclusive to Google’s Pixel phones. However, OnePlus and OPPO now have access to Android 17 Beta 2. This marks a shift in how Google is rolling out its next major Android version ahead of a stable release later this year.
What Is Android 17 Beta 2?
A beta is a pre-release version of software that’s mostly complete but still undergoing testing. It allows developers and adventurous users to try new features before they reach the general public. Beta 2 is the second testing milestone for Android 17, meaning the software works but isn’t polished enough for everyday use yet.
Think of it as test-driving a car that’s almost finished but still has a few warning lights on the dashboard. It runs, but there are known issues Google is working on before handing you the keys.
According to Android Authority, this beta has several known bugs, which is normal at this stage. Google and its partners are collecting feedback from testers to identify and fix problems before the stable build releases to everyone.
Why This Matters Beyond Just Two Phones
The expansion to OnePlus and OPPO is more significant than it may seem. Historically, Google’s Android beta program has been tightly controlled, with Pixel devices being the primary testing ground. Third-party manufacturers usually receive the new Android version closer to its official launch, leaving them less time to optimize their software and custom interfaces.
By including the OnePlus 15 and OPPO Find X9 Pro in Beta 2, Google is giving those manufacturers a head start. This could lead to faster, more stable Android 17 updates for OnePlus and OPPO customers when the final release arrives. In past years, updates sometimes took months to appear on non-Pixel devices.
The article’s headline update — “More phones” — also hints at a growing list, so other Android manufacturers might join the beta program before Android 17 reaches its stable release.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Beta stage | Beta 2 (second pre-release milestone) |
| First third-party devices | OnePlus 15, OPPO Find X9 Pro |
| Previously available on | Google Pixel phones only |
| Beta 2 release date | March 26, 2026 |
| Known issues | Yes (specifics being tracked by Google) |
Also In Android News: A New Look for Android Auto
In another development, Google is rolling out a visual update to Android Auto. This software mirrors your phone’s apps on your car’s dashboard screen. The update introduces a redesigned media player featuring a “squiggly” animated waveform, based on Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language. This newer visual style incorporates more motion and personality into its interface elements.
According to 9to5Google, the squiggly media player is expanding to more users after an earlier limited rollout. It’s a small but noticeable change for anyone who uses Android Auto to stream music or podcasts while commuting.
What This Means For You
If you own a OnePlus 15 or OPPO Find X9 Pro and enjoy being on the cutting edge, you can now opt into the Android 17 beta. However, it’s wise to heed Android Authority’s advice: wait for the stable build. Beta software isn’t meant for your primary device. Bugs can interfere with calls, apps, and basic phone functions.
For everyone else, the real benefit comes later. The more manufacturers that join early testing, the faster and more reliably Android 17 updates reach a wider range of phones after the official launch. If other manufacturers follow OnePlus and OPPO into the program, we could see quicker Android 17 rollouts across more brands than in previous years.
Community Reactions
“This is genuinely exciting. One of my biggest frustrations has always been waiting 6+ months for Android updates on my OnePlus after Pixels already have them. If this changes that timeline even a little, I’m happy.”
“Cool that they’re opening the beta up, but I’ll wait. Learned my lesson running betas on my daily driver. Not worth the headaches.”
What To Watch
- More devices joining the beta: The “Updated: More phones” tag on Android Authority’s article suggests additional manufacturers could be confirmed soon. Keep an eye out for announcements from Samsung, Xiaomi, or other major Android partners.
- Beta 3 and beyond: Google usually runs three to four betas before a stable release. Each one addresses more bugs and gets the software closer to what consumers will actually use.
- Stable Android 17 release: Historically, Google launches major Android versions at Google I/O in May, with a stable public release in the fall. Expect a formal announcement of Android 17’s final feature set and release timeline at Google I/O 2026.
- Android Auto updates: The squiggly media player rollout is ongoing. If you use Android Auto and haven’t seen it yet, it may arrive in a future app update in the coming weeks.
Sources: Android Authority: Android 17 Beta 2 expands to OnePlus 15 and OPPO Find X9 Pro | 9to5Google: Android Auto’s squiggly media player rolling out to more users
