Samsung Galaxy S26 users still on Beta as rivals move to Stable Android 17

Xiaomi joins Samsung rivals in starting the Stable Android 17 update rollout. Google first initiated the official deployment on Pixel phones, with Xiaomi becoming the latest to offer a free upgrade to its latest flagship smartphone lineup.

Stable Android 17 has started to land on Xiaomi 17 series devices, while the latest Samsung flagships are still testing Beta software. Meanwhile, Samsung’s official Android 17 reveal is set to take place on July 22 in London.

Samsung is lagging in Stable Android 17 rollout

Samsung launched Android 17-based One UI 9 Beta testing in early May 2026. Users of the Galaxy S26 series can gain early access to the software. However, the Beta Program is not available in all countries but limited to just six.

Beta participants have recently received the fourth Beta update. The firmware took almost a month to arrive after its previous Beta version. Still, Beta 4 remained limited to addressing a handful of issues related to the software.

Although Samsung’s Android 17 rollout is set for early August, the software will stay limited to the Z Fold 8, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8 phones. Existing devices, such as the Galaxy S26 series, would be getting it by September 2026.

Google’s Pixel phones started installing Android 17 in mid-June 2026. Xiaomi 17 series is the latest to be eligible for the major OS upgrade. More Chinese brands would now kickstart the rollout of their custom skins built on Android 17.

Samsung may keep its Beta Program running for another month. The current focus is the unveiling of new foldables and smartwatches. Once done, it will be shifted to marketing the sales of these devices to build momentum.

Judging from the previous strategies, the Korean tech giant is unlikely to begin shipping the latest OS immediately after the release at Unpacked. The software will be kept reserved to push consumers toward new foldables.