Moto G gets a rare software benefit — and history won't forget it
For the first time ever, Motorola has opened Android 17 beta testing to budget Moto G devices, marking a significant departure from its past practices. Models like the Moto G 2025 and 2026, which cost under $300 in most markets, are now included in the program. Until now, these models rarely got access to early software updates — and in many cases, none at all.
This change defies a long-standing trend. Moto G devices have traditionally been the last to receive software upgrades and often the first to be excluded from them entirely. For instance, the Moto G17 shipped with Android 15 in Europe, seven months after Android 16 was released — and with no commitment to any future major OS updates, a move that drew sharp criticism from industry experts and users alike.
The shift is not just a technical decision but a reflection of changing corporate strategy. In the past, Motorola’s software rollout was heavily influenced by financial incentives, with delayed updates pushing customers toward faster hardware replacements. Budget buyers — particularly Moto G users — were often left with only one or two major OS updates and minimal support beyond security patches. The beta expansion contradicts that trend, at least for the moment, by offering software access months in advance of the official release.
Beta eligibility expands to 31 devices — including unannounced models
Now, the Android 17 beta includes a total of 31 devices across Motorola’s product lines, with the newly added models spanning both flagship and budget options. Notably, two unannounced models — the Edge 70 Neo and Edge 70 Plus — are part of the list. Their inclusion on the beta registration page gives the clearest evidence yet that these devices are being actively developed and will soon be officially released.
Other budget models now eligible for the beta include the Moto G Power 2025 and 2026, as well as the Moto G Play 2026. These are all priced below $300 in the US, and in most regions, they have yet to receive formal Android 16 support. This shift highlights an unusual emphasis on supporting older and more affordable models with future software features.
The updated beta list now spans the full range of Motorola’s device portfolio. It includes premium foldables such as the Razr 70 Plus and budget models like the Moto G57 Power. The inclusion of such a wide variety is notable, especially as competing companies like Samsung have yet to confirm any similar early access for their Galaxy A-series budget phones.
Beta enrollment is limited — and waiting can take months
The Android 17 beta is managed through Motorola’s Motorola Feedback Network (MFN), a system where participation is limited and not guaranteed. Each device model has only a limited number of available enrollment slots, and approval is not automatic. The Android 17 beta began accepting applications in February 2026, and the first firmware builds were not delivered until mid-July — a gap of more than five months.
Users who signed up for the beta must check for updates regularly, as the builds do not appear automatically. The company advises participants to remain patient and to avoid expecting immediate access. Instead, they should periodically check for updates in the system settings, as updates may arrive weeks or even months after initial approval.
Beta builds are known to include performance issues, instability, and bugs. Users must fully back up their data and charge their devices to at least 50 percent before installing any beta firmware to minimize data loss risks.
The enrollment process involves creating or logging into an account on Motorola’s community forums at forums.lenovo.com. Users must then enter their device’s IMEI or serial number, enable beta testing in the MFN settings, and apply for the specific beta opportunity listed for their device and region. Approval is not instant — applicants must wait for confirmation via email before receiving the update.
The Android 17 beta includes the latest version of Motorola’s HelloUI interface. Early testers report several new features, including Live Updates — persistent, real-time overlays displayed on the lock screen and in the status bar. These changes represent a significant shift in the user interface, both in terms of layout and functionality, compared to earlier versions of HelloUI.