Google’s latest Quarterly Platform Release rolls out, bringing a wave of customization, security, and performance enhancements to eligible Pixel devices. Get ready for a smoother, more intuitive, and highly personalized Android journey.
Key Highlights in Android 16 QPR2:
- Lockscreen Widgets: Quick info access without unlocking your device.
- AI-powered Notification Organizer: Smarter grouping of low-priority alerts.
- Home Screen Customization: New icon shapes and auto-themed app icons.
- Expanded Dark Theme: Consistent dark mode across more apps.
- Secure Lock Device: Enhanced system-level protection.
- Health Connect: Expanded fitness tracking capabilities.
Lockscreen Widgets
Users can now swipe left on their lock screen to access a new feed of widgets for quick information viewing without unlocking the device. Tapping the two-line clock provides haptic feedback. This feature, previously available on tablets, is now extended to Pixel phones.
- View info permission-free
- Requires authentication for app access
- Haptic feedback on clock tap
AI-powered Notification Organizer
Automatically groups low-priority alerts (e.g., News, Promotions, Social Alerts) at the bottom of the notification shade. Minimized notifications appear as stacked app icons, prioritizing critical notifications and reducing clutter.
Smarter Inbox
Home Screen Customization
Unleash your creativity with new icon shapes beyond the default circle, including rounded square, a four-sided cookie, a seven-sided cookie, and an arch. The system also generates monochrome themed icons for apps without native support, ensuring a cohesive look.
- New custom icon shapes
- Auto-themed app icons for consistency
Expanded Dark Theme
A new “Expanded” dark mode option intelligently darkens parts of third-party apps, even those lacking native dark theme support. This provides a more consistent and eye-friendly low-light experience across your entire device.
System-wide Consistency
Settings App Enhancements
The Settings app features more Material 3 Expressive styling. The Notification history page is revamped with full-size app icons and a new card layout. Updated sections in Security & privacy, and Live Caption is more accessible at the bottom of the volume slider. Parental controls are now separated from Digital Wellbeing for easier management.
- Material 3 Expressive styling
- Revamped Notification history
- Separate Parental Controls
- Enhanced HDR Brightness slider
Refined UX
Secure Lock Device
A new system-level security state immediately locks the device, disabling notifications, Quick Settings, lock screen widgets, and Gemini until unlocked. This provides an extra layer of protection against theft or unauthorized access and can be remotely enabled via Find Hub.
- Instant device lock
- Disables key features until unlocked
- Remote activation via Find Hub
Health Connect & Under the Hood
Health Connect now offers expanded capabilities including direct recording of step counts and more comprehensive exercise data. Under the hood, this update brings a minor SDK version for faster developer tools, software decoding support for IAMF (Immersive Audio), and Generational Garbage Collection for improved responsiveness and battery life.
- Expanded Health Connect data (steps, workout tracking)
- Faster developer tools with minor SDK version
- IAMF spatial audio support
- Efficient Generational Garbage Collection
Health & FitnessPerformance Boost
Beta Program Transition
The stable release follows several beta phases. Users in the Android Beta Program for QPR builds can safely opt out to receive the stable version without device data being wiped, ensuring a smooth transition.
Seamless Upgrade
Is Your Pixel Ready?
The Android 16 QPR2 stable update is rolling out to a wide range of Google Pixel devices, ensuring many users can experience these new features. Check if your device is on the list:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a
- Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold
Get the Android 16 QPR2 Update Now!
Ready to experience the latest and greatest from Android? Install the update on your eligible Pixel device by navigating to:
Settings > System > System update > Check for update
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