Android Beta Archives

AppWizard

January 15, 2026

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 makes Settings easier to navigate and squashes plenty of bugs

Google has released the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2, focusing on stability improvements and bug fixes for Pixel phone users. The update addresses critical crashes, notification shade glitches, charging limit issues, and slow Wi-Fi connectivity. It also features a revamped System Settings layout with grouped sections for easier navigation. The beta is available as an OTA update for enrolled users and is compatible with Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 lineup. Users can also manually flash factory images if preferred. The stable release of Android 16 QPR3 is expected around March 2026.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 Fixes App Crash Issue on Pixel Devices

Google has released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to fix a bug causing certain applications, including Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and various banking apps, to crash upon launch. The update is available for eligible Pixel phones in the Android Beta Program, starting with the Pixel 6 series. Most users will receive build CP11.251114.007, while the Pixel 7a has a different variant. The OTA package is about 60MB. Initial feedback shows that the update has resolved crashes for most banking applications, but some Microsoft apps still have launch issues. Users are cautioned that opting out of the beta after installing this update may risk data corruption.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to fix app crashes on Pixel phones

Google has released a patch called Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 to address app crashes affecting Pixel devices in the Android 16 QPR3 beta. This update focuses on restoring app stability rather than introducing new features. The issues arose after the rollout of Android 16 QPR2, which introduced system-level instability. The patch aims to prevent apps from crashing at startup and is approximately 58 MB in size. It is available to devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program, including the Pixel 6 series and newer, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 8, 9, and 10 lineups. Users can install the update through the standard over-the-air process or manually using OTA images and ADB tools.

AppWizard

December 24, 2025

Google starts rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 is rolling out with an important fix

Google has started rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 for Pixel devices, focusing on stability and addressing a bug that causes certain apps to crash at startup. The update is 58MB in size and is available for Pixel models from Pixel 6 to Pixel 10 for users enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The previous Android 16 QPR3 beta introduced features like disabling the At a Glance widget and adjusting flashlight brightness. Users can receive the update via OTA download, sideload it, or manually flash the factory image, with a stable release expected in the first quarter of 2026.

AppWizard

December 20, 2025

Pixel owners can finally remove the ‘At a Glance’ widget in new Android beta

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces a native toggle to remove the At a Glance widget from home screens, while still keeping the information accessible on the lock screen and Always-on Display. The update also includes a brightness slider for the flashlight and allows users to swap navigation buttons to match Samsung's layout. However, early reports suggest that Microsoft applications may crash within Work Profiles, particularly affecting users of Teams or Outlook. A stable release is expected in March 2026.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 quietly upgrades Pixel phones where it counts

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 has been released, likely serving as the final refinement before Android 17. Users can disable the "At a Glance" widget on their home screens. The Quick Settings tile now includes a slider for beam intensity control. Users can rearrange the back and recent keys in the three-button navigation bar. The beta version is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 onward, with a stable version expected around March 2026. The update introduces an expandable location indicator in the status bar for app location access. It also includes support for over 160 new emoji from Unicode 17.0. Users should be aware of potential bugs and performance issues while using the beta software.

AppWizard

December 19, 2025

T-Life Not Working? This Might Be Why

The T-Life app, promoted as a comprehensive solution, is facing significant issues, particularly crashing upon launch for T-Mobile users who have updated their Pixel devices to the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. This problem is widespread among users of Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 devices, with reports indicating that the app briefly shows a splash screen before force closing. The crashing issue is not limited to the T-Life app, as several banking applications and other apps are also experiencing similar problems. Users are advised to log into their T-Mobile accounts via a web browser as a workaround, and if they consider rolling back the beta, it will erase all data on their phone. Issues like these are typically resolved through updates from the app developer or subsequent patches from Google.

AppWizard

December 18, 2025

Google’s Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 includes a long-needed app transparency feature

Google’s Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces a new blue block indicator to alert users when apps access their location, in addition to existing notifications for camera and microphone usage. Users can tap the indicator for a detailed overview of app permissions and take actions such as closing apps or adjusting settings. The beta version is available for testing on Google Pixel 6 devices and later, running the stable December 2025 update, and users can enroll in the Android Beta program to receive it.

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

OpenAI Tests Ads in ChatGPT Android Beta, Sparking Privacy Fears

OpenAI is testing advertising features in the beta version of the ChatGPT Android app, indicating a shift towards monetization to diversify revenue streams amid rising operational costs. Leaked code suggests features like “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel,” which could integrate ads alongside user interactions. Speculation points to a potential ad rollout as early as 2026. OpenAI has recently hired advertising engineers to support this initiative, which aims to utilize user data from billions of daily prompts for targeted advertising. Concerns about privacy and user trust have emerged, with users worried about the monetization of personal conversations. The advertising strategy positions OpenAI against competitors like Google and Meta, who already monetize through ads. The introduction of shopping research features in ChatGPT may enhance commerce integrations with sponsored recommendations. User reactions have been mixed, with some expressing excitement over new opportunities while others feel betrayed by the potential commercialization of personal data.

AppWizard

November 12, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 fixes annoying Pixel lock-screen freezes

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.3 has begun rolling out for Pixel 6 and newer devices, including the Pixel 10 lineup and foldable models. The update addresses a lock-screen freeze bug and carries the build number BP41.250916.015 for the Pixel 6 series and BP41.250916.015.A1 for newer models, while maintaining the October 2025 security patch. The update focuses on stability and does not introduce new features. It is available to those enrolled in the Android Beta Program, with a gradual rollout to all eligible Pixel phones. Users can manually check for the update in Settings > System > Software update. The full release is expected later this year, likely in December.