Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 Released: Google Drops Pixel 6 Support, Fixes Bluetooth, Gemini, and Notification Issues

Google has officially rolled out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1, marking the first beta release of the Quarterly Platform Release (QPR2) scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026. Alongside several bug fixes and stability improvements, the update also brings an important change to the list of supported devices.

According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 is no longer available for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. This means Google’s 2021 flagship smartphones have officially reached the end of their beta update journey.

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro Lose Beta Support

The Pixel 6 series was launched in October 2021. Google originally promised three years of Android OS updates for these devices. However, after introducing seven years of software support for the Pixel 8 lineup, Google extended support for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series to five years.

Since the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro have now completed five years of support in 2026, Google has removed both devices from the Android 17 QPR2 Beta program.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 6a will continue receiving updates until July 2027 because it was launched later than the standard Pixel 6 models.

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 Bug Fixes

The latest beta focuses on improving system stability and fixing several issues reported by users. Here are the major fixes included in the update:

• Fixed Bluetooth pairing silently failing after a lost remote bond.
• Resolved an issue where media controls briefly appeared on the lock screen even when app notifications were disabled.
• Fixed a system crash that caused some Pixel devices to restart unexpectedly while using Gemini.
• Resolved a bug where multi-finger drag-and-drop gestures prevented apps from receiving further touch input.
• Fixed notifications randomly disappearing from the notification shade until the device was restarted.
• Corrected an exception that occurred during ML-DSA key generation when using the “NONE” string summary.
• Fixed incorrect window boundary reporting in AccessibilityNodeInfo.toString(), improving accessibility debugging.
• Resolved an issue where window-level UI blur effects failed to render and the developer setting for window blur reset after every reboot.

What to Expect Next

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 1 is primarily focused on stability improvements ahead of the stable QPR2 release expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. More beta builds are expected in the coming weeks, bringing additional refinements before the final public rollout.

If you’re using a supported Pixel device enrolled in the Android Beta Program, the update should be available over the air.

What do you think about Google ending support for the Pixel 6 series? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to PassionateGeekz for the latest Android and Google Pixel news.