A week after releasing the second beta of Android 17 QPR2, Google is rolling out the third beta to users on the public beta program. Unlike the last build, this one fixes some notable bugs while also adding several new features and improvements.
It’s rare for Google to push a new Android beta build late on Friday (via Reddit), especially one that packs some notable changes. The main highlight of this release is a set of new security restrictions “on programmatic call forwarding to protect users from frauds.”
As part of this, Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 makes the following changes:
- API Restriction: The sendUssdRequest() API is no longer accessible for call-forwarding codes using only the CALL_PHONE permission. Standard apps attempting to execute these codes in the background will be blocked and receive a USSD_ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED callback.
- System Confirmation: To combat social engineering scams, users manually dialing call-forwarding codes in the system dialer will now see a new OS-level confirmation dialog before the command is executed.
- Non-Call Forwarding USSD: Non-call forwarding enabling USSD requests (such as mobile money transfers and account checks) are unaffected by this change.
- Mitigation: If your app is affected, verify that it handles the USSD_ERROR_NOT_ALLOWED failure callback gracefully. For apps requiring call-forwarding setup that do not qualify for an exempted role, migrate your flow to use the ACTION_DIAL intent to pre-fill the dialer, allowing the user to manually confirm the action
Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 introduces more customization options
The new features include a new Quick Settings layout editor, giving you the freedom to place Quick Settings tiles wherever you like, including moving the brightness slider and media player to the bottom for easier access.
The latest beta also introduces more theming options. A new slider lets you fine-tune the hue and the four main color styles, giving more control over the overall look and feel of the UI. Google first tested this customization option in an Android Canary build.
Blur effects are also being expanded and now include the lock screen shortcuts, fingerprint button, and notifications.
The new beta builds are already rolling out to users on the Public Preview program via an OTA. The images are also available for download on Google’s website for all compatible devices, starting with the Pixel 6a.
Android 17 QPR2 will roll out to the public in December this year.
