Android 16 QPR1 Beta Arrives: A Bold Redesign with a Minor Glitch
Get ready for a fresh look on your Pixel! Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 is here, bringing a significant Material 3 "Expressive" redesign. This update boasts notable UI changes, including a refreshed Quick Settings menu and a revamped recent apps experience. While it's a solid update for those eager to experience the new visual style, a minor bug has been discovered. Is the new look worth a momentary hiccup?
The key highlight of this beta release is the Material 3 Expressive design, a major refresh of the Android UI. Users can expect to see several new UI elements, including resizable tiles in the Quick Settings menu and more prominent blurry background effects. The recent apps experience has also been revamped, along with new icons for the battery and Settings apps.
According to initial impressions, QPR1 Beta 1 is a worthwhile update, especially if you've been drawn to the leaked screenshots and videos showcasing the Expressive redesign. It is also shrinking Pixel phones’ At a Glance widget, leaving space for an extra row of apps.
However, being a beta build, some bugs are to be expected. One noticeable issue is that newly downloaded app icons don't automatically appear on the home screen. While the apps are still accessible in the app drawer and can be manually dragged to the home screen, it's an inconvenience to be aware of.
Supported Devices: If you’re interested in trying out the new beta, make sure that it supports your devices, as the full list of supported devices contains Pixel 6, 6a, and 6 ProPixel 7, 7a, and 7 ProPixel FoldPixel TabletPixel 8, 8a, and 8 ProPixel 9, 9a, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
How to Install If you have a compatible Pixel device and already running the last Android 16 Beta release, you don't need to do anything but have the system update! Alternatively, you can flash the update to your Pixel.
Despite this minor glitch, the initial Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 seems to be a positive step forward, offering a visually appealing and modern user experience. This release is expected to eventually become September's Pixel Feature Drop. The QPR1 update also includes "new platform features, bug fixes, performance optimizations, and the August 2025 security patches."
Will you be taking the plunge and installing the Android 16 QPR1 Beta? What are your first impressions of the Material 3 Expressive design? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
