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Google Releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 and a Targeted Pixel Hotfix

The beta marks the final Android 16 feature update ahead of Android 17, with a stable release planned for March 2026.

Overview

  • Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 (build CP11.251114.006) is rolling out via the Android Beta Program to Pixel 6–10, both Pixel Fold models, and the Pixel Tablet.
  • Early findings show disableable At a Glance, a flashlight intensity slider, updated folder animations, a “Minimal” themed icons label, an optional Samsung-style button layout, and a blue-dot location indicator.
  • The beta includes a new Imagination Technologies GPU driver (v25.1) for Pixel 10 that adds Vulkan 1.4 and extended OpenCL support, with performance gains expected for demanding apps and games.
  • Enrolled devices must remain on the QPR3 beta track until the stable release, and leaving early or downgrading will trigger a full device reset.
  • Separately, Google pushed a small December hotfix (~25 MB) for Pixel 8–10 with carrier-marked builds (e.g., BP4A.251205.006.A4/.E1) that fixes high standby battery drain, Pixel 10 touch failures, and a storage-access bug, with availability reported in the U.S. and parts of the U.K.