Google has released the first beta version of its next major Android 16 update, offering a free preview of what Pixel owners can look forward to in early 2026.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is rolling out now to those Pixel smartphone owners (Pixel 6 through to Pixel 10) enrolled in Google’s Android Beta programme. Here’s how to enrol.
The full version of Android 16 QPR3 will be available to all Pixel owners in March as one of Google’s quarterly ‘Feature Drop’ updates.
We can expect more new features to arrive in future beta versions, but here are some of the most interesting tweaks and additions we’ve got to look forward to based on the initial release.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Google reaches out to Samsung users
In a move that could either be seen as a respectful acknowledgement of its biggest frenemy, or a gauntlet-throwing declaration of war (it’s probably the former), Google has added the option to have your virtual navigation buttons arranged Samsung-style. That is, with the app switcher and back buttons switched around.
Given that Samsung is still the biggest Android phone manufacturer in the world, and that it still treats this as the default navigation method (unlike many of its peers), this is a worthwhile quality of life feature for Google to include.
Adjustable flashlight
At long last, Google is emulating a feature that iPhones and many other Android phones have had for some time – the ability to adjust the strength of the flashlight function direct from the Quick Settings menu.
Finally, you can remove At a Glance
This one was tipped in late November, and it has certain members of the TA team inordinately excited. Following the Android 16 QPR3 update, you’ll finally be able to remove the At a Glance widget from the top of your Pixel phone’s Home Screen.
New location sharing dot
Google has added a small but welcome indicator of when an app is using your location in the form of a small blue in the top right corner. It works similarly to the green indicator for camera and mic access, and indeed combines with that UI element in a ‘Microphone, Camera & Location’ pop-up overlay.
New folder animation
In a small but effective touch, the folder opening animation has received a subtle makeover. Now, when you tap on a folder containing multiple apps on the home screen, the background will recede ever so slightly at the same time as the folder expanding.
Pixel 10 GPU upgrade
Google Pixel 10 owners are getting a little bonus in this version of Android. Since launch, there have been grumbles about GPU performance in Google’s new flagship phones.
As one Redditor has spotted, Google has quietly slipped a fresh GPU driver into this Android 16 QPR3 update, adding support for Android 16, Vulkan 1.4, and expanded OpenCL extensions. The result should hopefully be an uptick in performance and efficiency for all Pixel 10 phones.
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