Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3, the newest update in its Quarterly Platform Release cycle. This version focuses on improving system stability, fixing reported issues, and preparing the platform for the final release. The build comes with the version number BP41.250916.015.A1 and includes the October 2025 security patch. Google Play services have also been updated to version 25.34.34.

What’s new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3

Beta 3 is mainly a stability update and brings multiple important fixes across the system. Some of the key fixes include:

• Google Play System Updates not installing for some users

• Home screen shortcuts appearing as blank grey icons

• Incorrect coloring of the Wallet icon on the lockscreen

• Adaptive charging charging the battery to 100 percent instead of slowing at the set level

• Swipe-up gesture failing intermittently

• Selected themes not applying on the first attempt

• 50MP ultrawide and telephoto images showing rainbow artifacts

• High CPU usage by the launcher, especially on foldable devices, causing fast battery drain

• Incorrect routing of Bluetooth call audio

• 6GHz Wi-Fi issues for users in New Zealand

• Terminal app crashing when font size is changed

• Special characters like *, @, and # not working in the GUI Terminal

• UI lag and animation glitches when swiping lockscreen widgets and the notification shade at the same time

• Unresponsive touchscreens, display freezing, and random device crashes

These fixes make the system more stable for daily use, especially for developers testing their apps.

What’s new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2

Beta 2 reached Platform Stability, meaning APIs and app-facing behaviors are finalized. Developers can now update their apps with confidence.

Important additions include:

Developer Verification

Starting in 2026 in select regions, apps will need to be uploaded by verified developers. Android 16 includes new APIs to help test this requirement.

SMS OTP Protection

SMS messages containing verification hashes may be delayed for up to three hours to prevent OTP hijacking. Apps using the SMS retriever API will still receive messages instantly.

Custom App Icon Shapes

Users can apply new icon shapes across all apps and folders.

Improved Garbage Collection

The new ART Generational CMC Garbage Collector reduces CPU usage, improves battery life, and offers smoother performance.

Health Connect Updates

Automatic step tracking and updated exercise data types have been added.

What’s new in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1

Beta 1 introduced several new UI and system features.

Key additions include:

• Expanded Dark Theme

• Auto-themed app icons

• Interactive chooser sessions

• Improved migration tools

• PDF annotation and editing

• Display topology API

• Device-aware view configuration

• Advanced haptic feedback controls

• Better Quick Settings organization

• IAMF decoding support

• Personal audio sharing

• HDR and SDR brightness slider

• Improvements to companion device management

• Phone theft protection toggle

• Enhanced developer profiling

• More tools for multi-display testing

Supported Pixel Devices

Android 16 QPR2 Beta is available for the following Pixel models:

• Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a

• Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a

• Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a

• Pixel 9 series (9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a)

• Pixel 10 series (10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold)

• Pixel Fold

• Pixel Tablet

How to Install Android 16 QPR2

There are multiple ways to install the update:

Android Beta Program

The easiest method is to enroll your device in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta program. Once enrolled, your device receives OTA updates automatically.

Android Flash Tool

For developers who prefer manual flashing, the Android Flash Tool can install the system image directly onto supported devices.

Android Emulator

Developers can download the Android 16 QPR2 system image (Baklava) in Android Studio and test their apps on virtual devices.

Generic System Image (GSI)

Treble-compliant devices can install the GSI build for testing and compatibility verification.

Final Summary

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 is a key stability update that fixes many performance and UI issues. With improvements across system behavior, battery life, and app compatibility, the platform is getting close to its final release. Developers and early adopters using Pixel devices can expect a smoother experience compared to earlier builds.