beta users Archives

AppWizard

October 3, 2025

Instagram app crashing within seconds of opening on Android for many

Android users are experiencing significant issues with the Instagram app, which is undergoing a severe performance crisis. Users report that the app frequently crashes upon launch, often displaying a "Something went wrong with Instagram" error message. This problem predominantly affects Android devices, and some users believe a recent update to version 15 may have triggered the crashes. Additionally, some users have noticed that their photo grid has disappeared, showing a "no posts yet" message despite content being visible on the web version. Standard troubleshooting methods, such as clearing the cache and reinstalling the app, have not resolved the issues. Instagram has not yet responded to the situation, and users are considering installing older APK files as a temporary solution.

AppWizard

September 18, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 rolls out with customizable app icons and fitness upgrades for Pixel users

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 has been rolled out for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 10 series, introducing platform stability and new features. Users can customize app icons and benefit from enhanced fitness tracking metrics. Security improvements include developer verification and enhanced SMS OTP protection, which delays message delivery to prevent OTP hijacking. The beta is available for Pixel 6 and newer models, as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, and can be downloaded via an over-the-air process. The Pixel 10 features the Tensor G5 chip and Gemini AI capabilities.

AppWizard

September 12, 2025

WhatsApp Android bug breaks PDF opening with wrong app suggestions

WhatsApp for Android is experiencing a bug that prevents users from opening PDF files correctly. Instead of displaying options like Adobe Reader or Google Drive, users are presented with irrelevant choices such as wallet apps and Google Play services. This issue affects some users selectively, particularly when trying to access PDFs they have sent to themselves or others. Reports indicate that the problem is specific to WhatsApp's file handling, as accessing the same PDFs through the phone's file manager works without issues. Users have found temporary workarounds, such as sharing PDFs to external apps or using WhatsApp Web, although the latter has its own scrolling issues. WhatsApp has not yet acknowledged the bug, but users are encouraged to report it. A fix is expected soon, and some beta users have reported no issues with PDF access.

AppWizard

August 15, 2025

Experience the new material 3 design in Google Contacts: What’s changed?

Google Contacts has received a Material 3 Expressive redesign, featuring container-style contact cards and larger, pill-shaped icons for calling, messaging, video chatting, and emailing. The "Contact info" label above the phone number has been removed for a cleaner presentation, and the update is available with version 4.6.1.x via the Google Play Store. Additionally, Google is testing customizable full-screen calling cards in the Phone beta app, allowing users to display a full-screen image of the caller and personalize fonts and colors. This feature is currently accessible to a limited number of users on the Phone by Google 188 beta app version.

AppWizard

August 14, 2025

Latest Google Messages bug gives you two (or three) app icons

In the latest Google Messages beta update (version v20250811), users are experiencing a bug that causes multiple identical app icons to appear in their app drawer. This issue is linked to a recent change by Google that introduced an android.intent.category.LAUNCHER intent filter in an additional activity, resulting in duplicate icons for the messaging app. Some users have reported seeing two or even three identical icons. The package name for both the beta and stable versions remains the same, indicating that the extra icons are not due to a mix-up with the stable release. A fix for this bug is expected in a future beta update.

AppWizard

August 12, 2025

Waze will end updates for older Android devices soon

Waze has introduced a new requirement in its beta version (v5.9.90) that users must have Android 10 or higher to access future features and updates, changing from the previous requirement of Android 8.0 or higher. Support for Android 9.0 has ended, and while users on older versions can still use the app, they will not receive updates or new features. This change is expected to reach non-beta users soon, typically within one to two weeks after the beta release. As of earlier this year, only 5.8% of Android devices were operating on Android 9.0 or older.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Google’s Phone app could make resuming on-hold calls easier (APK teardown)

Google is developing a new feature for its Phone app that includes an "Unhold" shortcut in call notifications. This button will replace the existing "Mute" option when a call is placed on hold, allowing users to resume calls directly from the notification shade without returning to the main call screen. The feature is part of a Material 3 Expressive redesign and is currently available in beta version v184.0, although it has not yet been released to the public.

AppWizard

July 11, 2025

Google removes an often used tab from its Android phone app but don’t worry

In a recent update to the Phone by Google app, the Favorites tab has been moved from the bottom of the screen to the top, with an arrow indicating its functionality. For beta users, tapping the down arrow reveals five favorite contacts and a button to add new favorites. This redesign improves user experience and layout, allowing more space for Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail tabs, and makes the Floating Action Button (FAB) for the dial pad more accessible. The update is available on devices like the Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPR1 Beta, version 182.0.779772896-publicbeta. Users not seeing the new feature may be awaiting a server-side rollout. Pixel users can check the app version by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all apps, locating the Phone app, and scrolling to the bottom of the App info page.

AppWizard

June 30, 2025

WhatsApp Tests New In-App Document Scanner for Android Beta Users

WhatsApp has introduced a built-in document scanning tool for Android devices, currently available only to beta testers. This feature is located in the attachment section and allows users to capture physical documents directly within the app. It offers both manual and automatic modes for capturing images, which are then processed locally into PDF format and can be shared. All scanned files are protected with end-to-end encryption. The feature is currently limited to specific Android beta versions, with plans for a broader rollout in the future.

AppWizard

June 24, 2025

Android’s youthful new design will change the way you make and answer calls

The latest iteration of the Phone by Google app features a refreshed design aimed at enhancing user experience, currently being rolled out to select public beta users. The update includes a simplified bottom menu bar with three options: “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” The Home tab displays favorite contacts in bubbles and a straightforward call log that lists each call as a distinct entry. A new gesture feature allows users to swipe horizontally to answer or decline incoming calls. The incoming call screen has a playful design with contacts in a lumpy circular frame. The update is expected to roll out in September and includes a new “Pixel VIP” widget for Pixel devices, offering enhanced details about favorite contacts.