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Here’s everything new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 [Gallery]

The Android 16 preview cycle continues today with QPR2 Beta 1 today for Pixel devices.

Over the coming hours, we’ll dive into all of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1’s new features and every single change. (The newest updates will be at the top of this list. Be sure to check back often and tell us what you find in the comments below.) Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.1 screenshots appear on the left and QPR2 Beta 1 on the right.

If you want to quickly install Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 on your compatible Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 9a, be sure to check out our step-by-step guide.

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More edge-to-edge Settings app

  • See: status bar

Expanded dark theme

90/10 split-screen

M3 Expressive for restored Users widget

Screen saver > Low light mode

Settings > Parental controls

  • Google Family Link + new on-device controls to:
    • Set screen time limits
    • Set downtime schedules, restricting device access at specific times, like bedtime
    • Set time limits for individual apps or block specific apps
    • Filter out mature content from browsers and search engines like Google Chrome and Google Search

Always-on display page now has an accompanying graphic

Enhanced HDR brightness

Mobile network security

  • More prominent placement in Settings > Network & internet instead of at the bottom of the SIM card/mobile network page
  • “2G network protection avoids 2G networks, which are less secure. This may limit connectivity in some places. 2G is always allowed for emergency calls, but calls may not connect if you’re roaming internationally.”

‘Remove’ option when long-pressing a homescreen app icon

Lockscreen widgets / ‘hub mode’ on phones

  • First launched on the Pixel Tablet.
  • After enabling “Widgets on lock screen,” swipe left to access hub mode

More

Themed -> ‘Minimal’ icons

  • Icon will forcibly get a Minimal look, see: the NotebookLM app and PWA in the example below
  • “Create” option coming

Live Transcribe, Sound Amplifier, and Sound Notifications moved into Accessibility QS category

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com