Android 17 Beta on the Horizon
Google has officially announced that the first beta of Android 17 will be released shortly, following the public beta of Android 16 that launched in January 2025 and the stable rollout to Pixel devices in June 2025.
Current Android Version Landscape
According to a distribution chart released in December 2025, the majority of Android devices run Android 15, 14, or 13. Android 16 accounts for less than 8 % of active devices, and there are still more devices running Android 10 than Android 16.
EU Mandate on Software Updates
Since June 2025, the European Union requires manufacturers to provide security updates for at least five years after a device’s end‑of‑sale date. While this improves long‑term security, it does not guarantee new OS versions for older models.
What This Means for Users
- Pixel phones are likely to receive the Android 17 beta first.
- Flagship devices from other OEMs may follow, but rollout speed varies by brand and model.
- Older or region‑specific phones, such as the China‑only Honor Magic 6 Ultimate, may receive limited updates.