Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1: What’s New?
The latest beta update for Android 16 is here, bringing a host of new features and design tweaks to Pixel devices. From much asked for customization features to a new split screen mode, the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 release offers a sneak peek into the future of Google's mobile operating system. This update focuses on improving the user experience with new functionalities and a fresh look for existing features.
Here’s What’s New
90/10 Split Screen
Enhanced HDR brightness controls
Force Icon Theming
Lockscreen widgets on phones
AOD Setting Graphic
Redesigned Widget Panel
Users Widget Material 3 Expressive Update
“Remove” Option on Icon Long Press
Screen Saver Low Light Mode
The new 90/10 split option is something we’ve seen pioneered on the OnePlus Open and the Oppo Find N5 and we’ve known Google was building a sort of “lite” version of it into Android and it’s great to see it rolled out here. Now my Pixel Folds can do one more thing my Z Fold 7 can..
I am also ecstatic about the new control over enhanced HDR brightness. I can't tell you how many times I've been scrolling through social media at night, only to be blinded by a suddenly bright HDR content. The fact that I can now turn this off is a massive relief and will make late-night browsing so much more comfortable. I literally cannot tell you how happy I am that Google is finally forcing themed icons. It's always bothered me when I go to apply the themed icons and a few icons just stand out like a sore thumb because they don't support the feature. Now, with Google forcing the theme, all icons will be consistent and finally complete the aesthetic.
It really seems like as of late, Google has been hitting their updates out of the park and we’re off to a hot start with QPR2. As always, you can opt in to the beta here. If you’re still running the QPR1 beta and you’re looking to exit without wiping your device, DO NOT INSTALL THIS UPDATE. In fact, don’t install any update. Opt out and wait for the stable QPR1 update to arrive. Any update that shows up and says it’ll wipe your phone should be ignored. Just be patient.