.png)
Google has published the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 upgrade to eligible Google Pixel customers. Unlike early previews and beta versions of major Android releases, Quarterly Platform Release builds are believed to be reliable and fit for daily usage. This update incorporates features from the Material 3 Expressive design language, which debuted earlier this month. It includes visual enhancements for alerts, fast settings, the lock screen, and the launcher. Notably, the stable version of Android 16 will start rolling out to global consumers in June.
Android 16 Release: What You Can Expect
The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update has been published. It is presently compatible with the Google Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, Fold, Tablet, 8, 8a, 8 Pro, 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold smartphones. The upgrade includes the Material 3 Expressive interface, which includes design improvements to alerts, quick settings, the lock screen, and the launcher. The stable version of Android 16 will be released to all users in June.
9to5Google has noted the improvements included by the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 upgrade. To begin, Quick Settings has resizable tiles and a backdrop blur. Since the Android 12 upgrade, we've seen the completely extended QS with eight huge tiles grouped in a 2x4 configuration. The size and location of the tiles may now be customized.
The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update is claimed to have a revamped rectangular Brightness slider with a prominent handle bar. When QS Tiles with the primary icon are turned off, they display in a circle. Once enabled, they appear as rounded rectangles or squares.
The resizable QS Tiles in the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update may now be lowered to half their original size, leaving simply the icon and no text caption. Users may resize the Tiles by touching on them and sliding the slider to the appropriate size.
With the recent Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update, the QS Tiles have also been divided into categories such as Connectivity, Utilities, Display, Privacy, Accessibility, From system apps, and From apps installed. The QS panel also has a reset button at the bottom. In contrast, the redesigned Notification Shade features a blurred backdrop and pill-shaped buttons for history, Clear all, and alert settings.
The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update has also revamped the Recents menu style. The revised design is intended to benefit owners of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and other bigger devices. The Recents menu now appears in a regular grid structure rather than the uneven appearance it had in Android 15 versions. The Recents menu now features a pill-shaped button on top of app previews for settings, removing the previous floating symbol and making it simpler to notice and operate.
Additionally, the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 release has updated homescreen grid widths and a revised lockscreen. For the latter, the "At a Glance" information now shows beneath the huge clock, and while the clock is in the corner, the date, day, and temperature move to the right.
With the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update, the App List is presented on a sheet rather than full screen. The Audio Sharing options are also redesigned, along with a revised volume slider and volume adjustment menu. According to the newspaper, the Settings app, App details, and the Wallpaper & Style section's interface have all been redesigned.
