Yesterday, Google released Android Canary 2508 as the third release in the new program. Besides integrating Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 changes, it makes two sizable additions.
Android Canary is Google’s new way for testing upcoming operating system features. This Canary channel is “specifically designed for developers who want to explore and test the newest Android APIs.
Google warns how Android Canary builds “may contain bugs or issues that could affect your device’s normal operation.” As such, they “are unsuitable for everyday use.”
Additionally, features introduced in Canary may not always make it into a stable Android release.
This replaces Developer Previews that come before the Android Beta Program, which remains unchanged. It is available for the Pixel 9a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 8a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7, Pixel 6a, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet.
You install it using the Android Flash Tool, with future updates coming as convenient on-device OTAs.
ZP11.250728.008 is the third Android Canary release with the August 2025 security patch level. Android Canary 2508 follows the last release in late July.
Adjustable Flashlight Strength
Long-pressing the 1×1 Quick Settings Tile, which also turns on the flashlight, presents a new brightness slider. Tapping the right side of the 2×1 Tile opens the slider.
It appears to always reset to the middle after you turn off. This is an overdue addition, and would be great if the lockscreen shortcut also supported this.
Icon shapes
In a throwback, Android will let users select one out of five icon shapes:
Features from Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1
- Lockscreen widgets on phones
- Fully edge-to-edge Settings app
- More
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