Android 16 QPR1 Stable is LIVE!
Now that the beta testing period is over, Pixel users can finally get their hands on the stable release of Android 16 QPR1! The headlining feature has got to be the biggest visual update we’ve in years: Material 3 expressive. Alongside this quite stunning fresh coat of paint, we have a handful of other notable changes the talk about.
Changes:
Blurred Backgrounds: The lock screen for entering your PIN and the app drawer both now have a soft blur of your wallpaper.
Bolder Fonts: Fonts are now much bolder on the lock screen.
Volume Bar: The volume bar has been redesigned to match the new brightness bar for a more consistent look. This extends to the output menu for now playing media.
Redesigned Quick Settings: The quick settings panel has a new look with the blurred wallpaper background and can be resized to fit more tiles.
New Animations: There are tons of new animations that give Android a very fresh feel
Settings Redesign: The settings app has a new set of icons and some items have been rearranged for less wasted space.
Signal Indicator: The cell signal indicator now has five bars, which provides more detail.
Battery Icon: The battery icon in the top right has received a new design.
Search Bar: The search bar has a new look with additional icons being inside their own pill/
More Space: The home screen has been rearranged to give users an additional row for icons.
Recents Icon: The recents screen quick menu has been swapped from icon to a pill
Wallpaper and Style: You can now add special effects to your wallpapers, including Shapes, Weather, and Cinematic effects. This entire section is mostly new.
Notifications on Lockscreen: This section has seen a full redesign for added clarity.
Desktop Mode: While this does have to be enabled in developer options, the Desktop Mode is here for all to try out.
Plus about a million smaller changes that I don’t have time to list. Seriously. There are so many.
With a wide array of visual upgrades and quality-of-life changes, Android 16 QPR1 is one of the most significant updates in recent memory for Pixel users. The redesign of core elements, like the Quick Settings panel and the Settings app, alongside the introduction of Material 3 expressive, gives the operating system a modern cohesive feel. These updates show that Google is committed to polishing the Android experience, making it more intuitive and visually appealing for everyone.