What you need to know
- Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 has been released just weeks after QPR2, likely serving as the final refinement before the anticipated Android 17.
- Users can now disable the “At a Glance” widget, freeing up valuable space on their home screens.
- The Quick Settings tile has been enhanced with a slider for beam intensity control, moving beyond the previous simple on/off switch.
- A new feature allows users to rearrange the back and recent keys in the traditional three-button navigation bar.
In a swift follow-up to the stable release of Android 16 QPR2, Google has unveiled Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. This update is likely the last quarterly platform release before the much-anticipated Android 17. While it may not introduce sweeping changes, it aims to enhance the daily experience for Pixel users.
Quarterly Platform Releases, or QPRs, serve as a means for Google to refine Android between major updates. Instead of waiting for a comprehensive annual upgrade, these updates deliver incremental improvements, fresh features, and essential background fixes. Currently, this beta version is accessible for Pixel devices ranging from the Pixel 6 to the latest models via the Android Beta Program, with the stable version expected to roll out around March 2026.
The standout feature of this beta is the newfound ability to remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen. Users will discover a new “Show on home screen” option within the widget’s settings. By toggling this off, the widget vanishes, allowing for greater organization of apps, additional widgets, or simply a clearer view of the wallpaper.
Navigation has also received a boost in flexibility, as Google now permits users to reverse the order of the classic three-button navigation keys—a familiar setup for those accustomed to Samsung devices.
See which app is tracking you
Enhancements in privacy and transparency are also part of this update. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces an expandable location indicator in the status bar, enabling users to easily identify which app is accessing their location. A simple tap reveals more detailed information, moving beyond the previous generic icon.
Additionally, the update includes support for over 160 new emoji from Unicode 17.0, subtly modernizing the platform and enriching user expression.
As with any beta software, users should be aware that bugs, battery quirks, and occasional performance hiccups may arise. Opting into the beta program means committing to this experience until the stable release is available, unless one is prepared to reset their device.
