Google has officially launched the first beta for the third and final Quarterly Platform Release (QPR3) of Android 16, marking the beginning of the testing phase for features slated for a stable release in March 2026. This beta, available now for Tensor-powered Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 onward, introduces a collection of user-facing enhancements focused on privacy transparency, system customization, and quality-of-life improvements for developers. While not a major platform overhaul, the update refines the Android experience with practical tools that give users more insight and control over their devices.
Key Build Information:
- Build ID: CP11.251114.006
- Security Patch Level: 2025-12-05
- Stable Release Target: March 2026
Flashlight Brightness Gets a Visual Upgrade
One of the most immediately noticeable changes in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is the addition of granular brightness controls for the flashlight. The Quick Settings tile is no longer a simple toggle. By long-pressing the flashlight icon, users can expand it to reveal a "Flashlight Strength" dialog. This interface features a vertical slider designed to resemble a beam of light; dragging it upward increases the brightness, with a visual arc expanding to match the intensity. A small bar at the top of the slider clearly indicates the maximum brightness level. This feature, which was first spotted in earlier Android Canary builds, provides a more intuitive and adjustable way to use the flashlight in various situations.
Navigation Bar Buttons Can Now Be Swapped
For users who prefer the classic three-button navigation system over gesture controls, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 introduces a welcome customization option. A new "button order" setting allows users to swap the positions of the back and recents (overview) buttons. This is particularly useful for those accustomed to the layout found on many Samsung devices, where the recents button is on the left and the back button is on the right. The setting is accessed by navigating to Settings > System > Navigation mode and tapping the gear icon next to the "3-button navigation" option, offering a simple way to tailor the interface to personal preference.
The Expandable Location Indicator Makes a Crucial Return
A significant privacy enhancement in this beta is the revival of the expandable location indicator. Since Android 12, the system has shown a status bar icon when an app accesses the microphone, camera, or location. However, while tapping the green icon for microphone or camera access would list the responsible app, the location indicator was not expandable and did not identify the specific app tracking the user. Android 16 QPR3 fixes this. Now, when an app accesses location data, a solid blue icon appears in the status bar. Tapping it opens the "Microphone, Camera & Location" privacy dialog, which now correctly lists the app(s) actively using the location permission. This change, briefly tested in Android 13 but never released, finally provides full transparency for one of the most sensitive device permissions.
Wireless ADB Reconnects Automatically on Trusted Networks
A under-the-hood improvement aimed at developers and power users addresses a common frustration with wireless Android Debug Bridge (ADB) connections. Previously, the wireless debugging feature would automatically turn off after a period of inactivity, requiring a manual re-enablement from the Developer Options or Quick Settings. With the new beta, Android will now automatically turn wireless debugging back on whenever the Pixel device connects to a trusted Wi-Fi network. This small but meaningful fix streamlines the development and testing workflow, removing an unnecessary manual step for those who frequently use wireless ADB.
Installation Considerations and the Beta Path Forward
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 (build CP11.251114.006) is available via over-the-air update to devices enrolled in the Android Beta program. It carries the December 2025 security patch. Users currently on the stable Android 16 QPR2 release can enroll to receive the beta, while those already on the QPR2 beta track will receive it automatically. Google notes that this update contains no new SDK or developer-facing features, aligning with its revised annual release schedule. It is crucial for beta testers to understand that installing this update commits them to the beta channel until the stable QPR3 release in March 2026. Opting out of the beta before then requires installing a data-wiping downgrade. For users who have not yet installed QPR3 Beta 1, now is the last opportunity to opt out and revert to the stable QPR2 build without losing data.