The New Android 16 Beta Has a Big Visual Overhaul. Here's How to Install It on Your Pixel
If you hadn't heard already, Android is about to get a lot more "jelly-like" thanks to a design overhaul called Material 3 Expressive. Its official launch will likely be alongside the next Pixel devices, but the latest beta build of Android 16 now includes several pieces of the new look that existing Pixel owners can play around with right now.
Last month's Android 16 beta 4 marked the end of the beta program this year, but that doesn't mean new Android 16 builds will stop releasing. As it historically has, the beta program has transitioned to Quarterly Platform Release updates. These releases are still betas, but they are more stable than the preceding builds and offer a look at more features that will eventually come to devices in future Feature Drops.
Among all of this week's Google I/O 2025 announcements, Android didn't take up much space outside of a few mentions. That's mostly due to the fact that a majority of what's new for the OS this year was announced during The Android Show last week, with the new design at the forefront.
Announced on Reddit during the I/O keynote, the QPR1 update includes some of the new Material 3 Expressive design elements that very much change the way the OS "feels" -- even if not every piece of the redesign is in place yet. If you held off from the beta program but don't want to wait for the official release to get your hands on Material 3 Expressive, now's your chance. Below, we'll show you how to install it on your Pixel device.
For more, don't miss our Google I/O 2025 recap.
What's new in Android 16 QPR1?
Here's a look at the overhauled Settings menu, quick settings menu and multitasking menu tweaks.
Blake Stimac/CNET
The big news here is that this QPR build includes 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.
According to the Reddit post, in addition to Material 3 Expressive, the QPR1 update also includes "new platform features, bug fixes, performance optimizations, and the August 2025 security patches." Specifics aren't given in the release notes, but the security patch on the Reddit post differs from what the release notes say, so expect to still have the May 5, 2025, security patch after the update is installed.
What Pixel devices can install the Android 16 QPR1?
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
You can enroll any of your compatible Pixel devices to receive beta updates with a few clicks.
Google/CNET
Installing the Android 16 QPR1 build is easy.
If you're running the last Android 16 Beta release, and have a compatible device, you don't need to do anything. You should be able to check for a system update and the QPR 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 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. Moreover, if the update that appears is the Android 16 Beta 4 for whatever reason, download and install that, and check for updates again once your Pixel restarts.
Alternatively, you can flash the update to your Pixel.
For more, check out why Android 16 is being released earlier this year.
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