The Latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta is Out Now. Here's How To Get It on Your Pixel
Although Android 16 is now officially available, it lacks the visual overhaul, Material 3 Expressive, that Google showed off during the Android Show this past May. Luckily, Google transitioned its Android Beta Program to Quarterly Platform Releases, and a large chunk of Material 3 Expressive found its way to Pixel devices that installed the first QPR1 update.
Below, we'll show you what's new in the latest QPR1 release and how to enroll your supported Pixel device in the Beta program to get these updates moving forward. For more, don't miss when we expect the Pixel 10 to launch.
What's new in the latest QPR1 Beta?
The sparse release notes for QPR 2.1 reiterate that there isn't much to gawk at in this release. The QPR 2 beta added in support for enhanced windowing on connected devices, bringing a desktop-like experience. It's nowhere near as slick as what Apple is doing on the iPad with iPadOS 26, but it is nonetheless a welcomed addition when you need more space to work with and have a display you can connect your phone to.
Here's what's new in the Android 16 QPR1 2.1:
Fix for the "Approve" button in the Device Admin settings being transparent and invisible.
Fix for the lockscreen sound toggle showing as off, but sounds still playing.
Fix for the Android back button intermittently failing to function.
Fix for a launcher crash when swiping up from the bottom.
In addition, and as mentioned before, this release also comes with the latest June security patch.
Android 16 QPR1 has some Material 3 Expressive baked in
Here's a look at the overhauled Settings menu, quick settings menu and multitasking menu tweaks.
Blake Stimac/CNET
The latest QPR1 builds include several pieces of the Material 3 Expressive design overhaul. It's a fresh take on the OS while still looking like a natural progression of what was there before. It's easier to find important actions within the OS, and the new design will eventually make its way to apps when developers adopt the new design language. Google has already shown off a few of the apps it plans to update with Material 3 Expressive, including Gmail, Fitbit and Google Photos.
While the public release will include more of Material 3 Expressive, the biggest visual changes are present here. The launcher, notifications, quick settings and lock screen all "pop" like never before.
What Pixel devices can install the Android 16 QPR1 2.1?
In order to install the Android 16 QPR1, you'll need a compatible Pixel. Here's the full list of supported devices.
Pixel 6, 6a, and 6 Pro
Pixel 7, 7a, and 7 Pro
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet
Pixel 8, 8a, and 8 Pro
Pixel 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
How to install the Android 16 QPR1 2.1
You can enroll any of your compatible Pixel devices to receive beta updates with a few clicks.
Google/CNET
Installing the Android 16 QPR1 2.1 build is easy.
If you're running the last Android 16 QPR1 release, you don't need to do anything. You should be able to check for a system update and the QPR1 2.1 beta should begin to download.
If you're new to installing Android 16 on your device, here's how to get things moving:
Go to the Android Beta site and log in to your Google account. Click or tap on "View your eligible devices" or just scroll down to the section. You should see the devices associated with the Google account you've logged in with. Under the device on which you'd like to install the Android 16 update, click or tap the "+ Opt in" button. Agree to the terms of the beta program and click or tap "Confirm and enroll."
Once your device is enrolled, you can check to see if the update is waiting for you. It typically doesn't take long.
On your Pixel, go to your Settings menu.
Tap System.
Tap Software updates.
Tap System update.
From there, the Android 16 QPR1 2.1 build should start downloading to your device. If it continues to say "Your Pixel is up to date," give it a few more minutes or try restarting your phone, then try again.
Alternatively, you can flash the update to your Pixel.
Want more on Pixel? Don't miss what we know about Google's new AI Assistant, Pixel Sense.
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