Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 Now Rolling Out to Pixel Phones

The latest beta update for Android 16, known as QPR3 Beta 2, is now being distributed to compatible Pixel smartphones. This release follows the initial beta from last month and focuses on refining the user experience ahead of the anticipated stable launch in March 2026. Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs) typically introduce more substantial improvements than routine monthly patches, and Google positions these betas as stable enough for general use. This iteration specifically targets a broad spectrum of bugs to enhance overall system reliability.

A primary focus of Beta 2 is resolving critical system crashes and device freezes that could interrupt usage. Battery performance receives significant attention, with fixes for an issue where phones would ignore set charging limits and charge to full capacity, alongside optimizations to curb excessive overnight battery drain. Connectivity improvements address problems with slow Wi-Fi speeds and missed calls, while various user interface glitches in areas like the notification shade and app drawer have been smoothed out for better interaction.

The update tackles a detailed list of specific problems. This includes making the app drawer more responsive during scrolling by updating how graphical elements are rendered. For Android Auto, a bug that caused it to log incorrect, extensive screen time, negatively impacting battery life, has been corrected. Visual performance has been improved, fixing graphical glitches that occurred when using the notification shade in full-screen or picture-in-picture modes.

On the power management front, the patch resolves the problem where the battery charging limit was not being honored. It also introduces optimizations to background processes to prevent unnecessary power consumption. The Wi-Fi connection bug responsible for slow internet speeds has been addressed, and a crash that occurred when accessing radio information settings is now fixed.

Audio and display issues have not been overlooked. Users reported a noticeable delay and lack of feedback when switching a call to speakerphone; this has been resolved by refining the audio routing logic. A screen flickering problem when waking the device from the Always-On Display state was corrected through a system WebView update. Furthermore, compatibility problems causing certain apps, including some Microsoft applications managed by Intune, to crash on startup have been resolved.

Charging reliability sees improvements as well, with fixes for inconsistent wireless charging and slow wired charging by enhancing the power management system. For foldable devices, a system crash that could happen when folding the phone with an app open has been eliminated by fixing an activity lifecycle management issue during device state changes.

Pixel users participating in the beta program can report any new issues they encounter using the dedicated Android Beta Feedback app, accessible from the app drawer or Quick Settings. This submits bugs directly to Google’s issue tracker, and there is also an active Android Beta community on Reddit for discussion.

The build number for this update is CP11.251209.007.A1, with variant CP11.251209.007 applying to the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Pixel 7 series. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 includes the January 2026 security patch and is available for a wide range of devices including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 10 series, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It is important to note that while the Pixel 10 series is supported, there are no full OTA images available for it yet; owners must use the on-device OTA update method. Most users will install the update automatically through the Android Beta Program, but manual flashing or sideloading remains an option for those who prefer it.

(Source: 9to5 Google)