Google has announced a handful of new extensions for its current AI models along with a few new ones at its I/O event. From the event, it can clearly be assessed that the company’s AI efforts are expanding quite rapidly, which will b evident in the coming months. One of the major announcements that we were waiting for was the release of Android 16’s QPR1 Beta 1 for developers with the new Material 3 Expressive redesign. Well, the beta is now here and it can be downloaded on all compatible Pixel devices right now.
Google has released the first Android 16 QPR1 beta for all compatible Android devices
In comparison to monthly updates, Google’s Quarterly Platform Releases or QPR updates bring major changes to Android and it will be part of the first stable build of the operating system. Android 16s QPR1 beta 1 brings major visual changes to the platform’s notification shade, making everything more streamlined and easier to access. Google specifically tells us to expect major changes in the notification shade, quick settings panel, lock screen, and launcher.
This build contains some of the Material 3 Expressive changes covered in last week’s announcements, including a visual refresh to notifications, quick settings, the lock screen, and the launcher.
While QPR builds are released as betas rather than developer previews, Google officially says that the QPR1 beta 1 is “suitable for general use.” if you are excited, Android 16 QPR1 will be released to the general public in September. If you want to try it out for yourself, the Android 16 QPR1 beta 1 will be available from the Beta Program. You can opt out of the Beta Program if you wish to receive the table build first on your Android handset.
The Android Beta Feedback app is available on all compatible Pixel devices for you to report back bugs and issues. You can check out the list of compatible devices that are able to run Android 16 QPR1 beta 1 below.
- Pixel 6.
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Android Emulators
Google will release additional QPR beta versions in the coming months, which will allow developers and testers to check out more features and changes. We will keep you updated on the latest details, so be sure to keep an eye out on the latest details.
