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Sunday, 16 August 2026dailybeirut.com
Tech & Science
Android 17 Beta 3 has been released on Vivo X300 Pro and iQOO 15, introducing new SMS security features, selective contact sharing, battery optimizations, and enhanced accessibility support. The update targets developers ahead of a stable release expected by mid-2026.
On May 19, 2026, Vivo announced that the Vivo X300 Pro and iQOO 15 are the first smartphones to run Android 17 Beta 3. This release offers developers early access to test new functionalities before the stable Android 17 version becomes publicly available, anticipated around mid-2026.
One of the key security improvements in Android 17 is a restriction on apps reading one-time passcode (OTP) messages. For three hours after receiving an OTP, most apps are blocked from accessing these SMS messages. This measure aims to counteract malware that intercepts verification codes in real time, a tactic commonly exploited in account takeovers and financial fraud. According to the Google Android Security Blog (2026), this protection applies to apps targeting API level 37 or above, so older apps may not yet be subject to this limitation.
The update introduces the Android Contacts Picker, enabling users to share specific contacts with applications instead of granting access to the entire contacts list. This selective sharing mirrors the photo picker feature Google implemented earlier. Banking and messaging apps that currently require full contact access will need to update their code to comply with the new API level once it becomes mandatory.
Android 17 Beta 3 includes tighter control over wake locks to reduce unnecessary background processor activity and enhances background task scheduling through WorkManager. These changes are based on user feedback rather than official Google battery benchmarks, so their impact on battery life remains to be fully verified. The update also improves screen-reader functionality for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese languages and refines touchpad and cursor behavior on tablets and foldable devices.
Currently, Android 17 Beta 3 is limited to the Vivo X300 Pro and iQOO 15, neither of which is sold in the US or UK markets. The stable Android 17 release is expected to reach Pixel devices and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series early, though no official schedule has been provided. Developers targeting Google Play are encouraged to review API 37 requirements promptly, especially concerning OTP message access and contact permissions, to ensure app compatibility upon launch.
