Google has begun rolling out Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 to eligible Pixel users—and it’s more than just a minor patch. This update brings significant visual and functional upgrades, offering a near-final preview of what to expect when Android 16 goes stable in June.
Availability
The beta is available on a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, 7 series, 8 series, 9 series, Fold, Tablet, and the 9 Pro Fold. With such broad support, Google is signaling confidence in the beta’s stability—making it suitable for daily use.
Material 3
A major visual overhaul comes via Material 3 Expressive. This refreshed design language shows up in notifications, the lock screen, launcher, and quick settings. The result is a sleeker, cleaner interface with smoother edges and more intuitive layouts.
Quick Settings
Quick Settings sees one of its biggest changes. Previously limited to a fixed grid, tiles are now resizable—offering compact icon-only options or larger, labeled tiles. Their shape also changes depending on status: inactive tiles appear circular, while active ones turn into rounded rectangles or squares.
Tile categories are now grouped under headers like Connectivity, Utilities, Display, Privacy, Accessibility, System apps, and Installed apps, helping users find and manage settings faster. A reset button also lets users quickly restore the default layout.
Notifications
The notification shade now includes a blurred backdrop, pill-shaped action buttons, and a more refined layout. Changes like “Clear all” and “History” now feel better integrated and easier to interact with—contributing to a smoother experience overall.
Recents
App switching has been reworked. The Recents view now displays apps in a consistent grid layout, enhancing usability on larger screens like the Pixel Fold. The floating icons from previous versions are replaced with pill-shaped buttons for cleaner controls.
Launcher
Homescreen customization improves with new grid options for apps and widgets. This tweak gives users more flexibility in how their layout looks and functions.
Lockscreen
The “At a Glance” widget moves below the main clock. When repositioning the clock to a corner, day, date, and weather details shift right—adding visual balance and polish.
App Drawer
Instead of taking over the full screen, the app drawer now appears as a sheet-style pop-up, delivering a smoother transition when navigating between apps.
Audio
The Audio Sharing UI and volume controls now align with the OS’s modern aesthetic. The refreshed sound panel not only looks better but also improves usability.
Settings
Menus like App Info and Wallpaper & Style have been updated with Material 3 Expressive. Expect rounded elements, cleaner text spacing, and smoother transitions across the board.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 brings meaningful enhancements—not just bug fixes. From smarter layouts to visual consistency and deeper customization, this build sets the stage for the full Android 16 launch. If you have a supported Pixel device, it’s worth checking out now.
FAQs
Which phones support Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1?
It supports Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 series, Fold, Tablet, and more.
What is Material 3 Expressive?
It’s a refreshed design style with softer visuals and layout tweaks.
Can I resize Quick Settings tiles?
Yes, tiles can now be resized and grouped into categories.
What’s new in the Recents menu?
It now shows a uniform grid with pill-shaped option buttons.
When will Android 16 be fully released?
The stable version is expected to launch globally in June.
