Google has released the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 update for select Pixel devices, bringing the July 2025 Android security patch alongside a wave of new features and critical bug fixes. This marks another step closer to the stable launch of Android 16 expected in September 2025, with Google now focusing on refining user experience and improving platform stability.
Key New Features
- Magnify Keyboard: An accessibility option under Settings > Accessibility > Magnification lets users zoom in on the on-screen keyboard, making it easier to read emojis and letters while using full-screen magnification.
- Taskbar App Pinning Shortcuts: Users in Desktop Mode can now quickly pin or unpin apps to and from the taskbar via a context menu, streamlining multitasking workflows.
- Enhanced Screen Saver & HDR Brightness: Borrowed from earlier Canary builds, new screen saver customization options and an HDR brightness toggle have been added, improving personalization and display quality for supported devices.
Major Bug Fixes
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 delivers extensive bug fixes for several recurring issues:
- Device restarts caused by RTOS task list corruption and kernel or class loader errors have been resolved.
- Launcher display problems and incomplete interface rendering were fixed.
- Notification and media player bugs in the pull-down shade are addressed, ensuring smoother media controls and notification management.
- Camera startup failures, specifically the black screen issue at startup, have been remedied.
- Status bar layout issues and notification shade folding problems are also fixed.
These refinements are aimed at enhancing system stability and user experience as Android 16 nears public release.
Visual and UI Tweaks
The update includes further implementation of the Material 3 Expressive redesign, bringing updated visual theming to notifications, quick settings, the lock screen, and the launcher. There are also small improvements like better toggle visibility and dynamic color theming for Pixel Launcher shortcuts.
Supported Devices and Update Method
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 is available for:
Devices already in the Android Beta Program will receive the update over-the-air automatically. Manual installation is also available by heading to Settings → System → Software updates → System update → Check for updates.
This release sets the stage for the final stable build of Android 16, refining the platform with functional improvements and necessary security updates.