Google has started rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 to Pixel devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, offering an early look at the next quarterly update ahead of the expected stable release in March 2026. The update is available for Pixel 6 series and newer, including Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
As a Quarterly Platform Release, QPR3 builds on Android 16 with a focus on refinements and user-facing improvements rather than major platform changes. One of the most noticeable additions is an adjustable flashlight brightness control directly from the Quick Settings tile. Google has also added an option to swap the back and recents buttons in three-button navigation, giving users more control over system navigation.
Privacy gets a small but useful upgrade as well, with a tappable location indicator in the status bar that shows which apps are actively accessing location data. Pixel Launcher tweaks are also included, such as smoother animations, minor UI polish, and changes to themed icon options. The build introduces new emoji and carries the December 2025 security patch.
Under the hood, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 includes performance and stability improvements, with a notable GPU driver update for the Pixel 10 series, adding better graphics compatibility and Vulkan support. As expected with beta software, Google warns that bugs and issues may still be present.
The QPR3 beta gives Pixel users an early preview of features that will eventually roll out widely as part of Google’s regular Feature Drop cycle in early 2026.
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