Being an Android user, the best part is that there is always something new coming up throughout the year. If you are a part of the club, looking out for the latest updates, you are in luck. Google has just dropped Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 release.
Released on August 20, 2025, this is the first beta for the second Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) of Android 16. QPR updates come every three months. They mostly bring bug fixes, performance tweaks, and some fresh features. So you don’t have to wait for a full major version upgrade. Think of it as a mid-cycle refresh. Let’s discuss what improvements have arrived with this latest update in Android 16 and devices that will receive it.
Also read: Android 17 Release Date And Features: Early Details Leak
Better UI and Customisation Options
With every update, it has become sort of compulsory to bring something that users can personalise. Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 too amps up personalisation and usability. You will feel a difference in how your phone looks and feels. There are several additions like:
- Expanded Dark Theme: If you are someone who likes to keep things dark throughout in phone, this one is for you. This new option intelligently inverts colours for a more consistent dark experience across apps. There are apps that still look bright despite the dark mode. This update changes that. It forces a true dark mode where needed, without breaking the app’s design.
- Auto-Themed App Icons: If an app doesn’t have its own themed icon, Android will now automatically create it. You will get a monochrome version to match your wallpaper. This makes the design blend in overall, looking minimal.
- Redesigned Widgets Panel and ‘Remove’ Option: Long-press an app icon on your home screen. You will see a new “Remove” button for quicker cleanup. The widgets picker has also been refreshed for easier navigation.
- Lockscreen Widgets (Hub Mode) on Phones: This one was previously limited to tablets. You can now add widgets to your phone’s lock screen. Just swipe left after enabling it in settings.
- Quick Settings Tile Categories: This feature is particularly for Developers. They can group custom tiles (like smart home controls) with similar system ones. As a result, the Quick Settings panel looks more organised.
Also Read: Android 16 Vs iOS 26: Which OS Has The Better UI In 2025?
Improved Media and Audio Features
If you have been feeling like your phone’s sound is not up to par, this Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 release might boost it. The Media playback gets a boost, making watching videos or listening to music more immersive and user-friendly. Other audio features also enhance like:
- HDR/SDR Brightness Slider: Watching HDR content that’s too bright or dim? Now you get a new slider that lets you adjust brightness on the fly. adapting automatically for better viewing without tweaking app settings.
- IAMF Decoding Support: This adds support for advanced spatial audio formats. So apps like music players can deliver richer, 3D-like sound experiences.
- Personal Audio Sharing in Output Switcher: Now you can share audio with earbuds and other Bluetooth LE devices. This happens right from the output switcher, so no extra app is required.
- New AAudio APIs: For audio pros or app developers, these allow finer control over sound processing, like partial buffer handling for low-latency apps.
If you are into streaming or podcasts, these will make your daily listening smoother.
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Connectivity and Device Management Upgrades
Staying connected just got easier and more secure. Have a look at these security features in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 release:
| Feature | What’s New | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Companion Device Enhancements | Better icons for connected devices, notifications when connections are removed, and cross-app verification for smoother pairing. | Makes device pairing smoother, more transparent, and easier to manage. |
| MediaRouter Privacy Improvements | Safer casting over Bluetooth or Ultra-Wideband (UWB) with new privacy checks. | Protects your network and ensures safer media sharing. |
| Improved Mobile Network Security | Toggle to avoid less secure 2G networks (except emergencies), more visible in settings. | Keeps you safer while traveling by reducing risks of insecure connections. |
Also read: Funtouch OS 16 Update: Release Date, Features And Devices
Privacy, Security, and Accessibility Boosts
Google is working hard on doubling down on keeping your data safe. So, here are a few things we are going to see for enhanced security in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 release:
| Feature | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Secure Lock Device | Instantly locks the phone, hides notifications, and requires the main PIN/password. | Strong theft protection and privacy. |
| Phone Theft Protection Toggle | Locks device after repeated failed login attempts, with an on/off switch. | Stops thieves from brute-forcing passwords. |
| Enhanced Parental Controls | On-device tools for screen time, app blocks, downtime schedules, and content filters. | Parents can manage usage without third-party apps. |
| Accessibility Quick Settings | Groups Live Transcribe, Sound Notifications, and similar tools under Accessibility. | Faster access for people with hearing or speech needs. |
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Improvements That Shouldn’t Go Unnoticed!
Okay, so we talked about the major improvements that we are going to see in the latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 release. Honestly, if you compile them, they do make smartphone usage more convenient in various ways. But things don’t end there. There are other tweaks that may look small but have an impact on the overall user experience. They are:
- Smoother Device Migrations: Switching phones? New APIs make data transfer faster and more reliable, even across platforms.
- PDF Editing Tools: Built-in support for annotating, signing, and filling forms in PDF. It’s going to be super useful for work or school.
- Display Topology API: For foldables and multi-screen setups, apps can now better understand screen layouts. It provides an optimised experience.
- Granular Haptic Feedback: More precise vibrations for apps, like custom feels for notifications.
How to Get It and What to Expect?
If you’re on a Pixel device (like the Pixel 9 or 10 series), you can join the Android Beta Program now. However, expect some bugs. Here’s to enrol:
- Head to the Android Beta Program website.
- Enrol your eligible Pixel device. The update should roll out over-the-air soon after.
- Remember, betas can be unstable, so back up your data first!
Also read: Xiaomi HyperOS 3.0 Release Date, Eligible Devices, Features
Stages Of Android 16 Release
| Update/Phase | Release Date | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dev Preview 1 | Nov 19, 2024 | First test build; new APIs, app compatibility fixes; bugs with media taps & camera. |
| Dev Preview 2 | Dec 18, 2024 | Better performance & battery; fixed screen brightness and Terminal app errors. |
| Beta 1 | Jan 23, 2025 | Public beta; stable for daily use; fixed NFC, battery drain; added privacy tools. |
| Beta 2 | Feb 13, 2025 | New notification/quick settings design; fixed call freezes & crashes. |
| Beta 2.1 | Feb 27, 2025 | Quick fixes: Doze mode, reboots, wallpaper lag. |
| Beta 3 (Stable APIs) | Mar 13, 2025 | Final APIs; better stability; new photo picker (cloud) + Health Connect. |
| Beta 3.1 | Mar 18, 2025 | Fixed Settings app crashes, brightness bugs, and CPU drain. |
| Beta 3.2 | Apr 2, 2025 | Fixed haptics, idle drain, and Pixel camera flickers. |
| Beta 4 | Apr 17, 2025 | Polished features; added notification cooldown & better language text rendering. |
| Beta 4.1 | May 13, 2025 | Small fixes; Material 3 redesign teased at Google I/O. |
| QPR1 Beta 1 | May 20, 2025 | First quarterly beta; refreshed notifications, quick settings, lock screen. |
| QPR1 Beta 1.1 | Jun 4, 2025 | Fixed app drawer nav, wallpaper crashes, lock screen bugs. |
| Stable Release | Jun 10, 2025 | Official launch! Major Material 3 redesign, Live Updates, better camera, stronger privacy. |
| QPR1 Beta 2 | Jun 10, 2025 | Previewed desktop windowing for external displays. |
| QPR1 Beta 2.1 | Jun 25, 2025 | Security patch + stability fixes. |
| QPR1 Beta 3 | Jul 17, 2025 | General stability and performance improvements. |
| QPR1 Beta 3.1 | Aug 14, 2025 | Fixed Wi-Fi crashes, memory leaks, home screen glitches. |
| QPR2 Beta 1 | Aug 20, 2025 | Latest: expanded dark theme, spatial audio, HDR brightness, theft protection, more. |
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Final Thoughts
Post the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 release, the QPR2 is set to go stable in December 2025. So these features will hit more devices then. As Android 16 matures, expect even more AI-driven smart features. We can also expect optimisations in future updates solely for foldables. If you’re a developer, check out the new APIs for building cooler apps.
What do you think of these changes? Drop a comment below if you’re jumping into the beta! Stay tuned for more Android news as we head into 2026.
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