Google has begun seeding the Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 to a wide range of Pixel devices, marking the first step toward a stable release expected in March 2026. This latest beta build, arriving with the December 2025 security patch, introduces a mix of long-awaited user interface refinements, enhanced privacy controls, and incremental improvements to Android's desktop mode capabilities. While not a monumental feature drop, the update addresses several specific user requests and continues Google's steady push to refine the Android experience on larger screens and for power users.
External Display Casting Arrives for Desktop Mode
A notable addition in this beta is the ability to cast content directly from an external display connected to a Pixel device. This follows a previous update in the initial Android 16 release that enabled screen recording for external monitors. Users running Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 can now select their connected external display from the "Cast your screen" dialog, allowing them to stream that display's contents to Chromecast or other Cast-enabled devices. This change, while technical, is a logical step in Google's broader "Aluminium OS" initiative to enhance Android's functionality with peripherals and multi-display setups, building on improvements to app windowing and input handling.
Key New Features & Changes:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| External Display Casting | Cast screen content from a connected external monitor to Cast devices. |
| Location Privacy Indicator | Blue status bar icon shows when an app accesses location; tap to see which app. |
| Removable 'At a Glance' | The persistent home screen widget can now be removed. |
| Adjustable Flashlight | New setting to control LED flash brightness strength. |
| Reversible Nav Buttons | Option to change the order of the classic 3-button navigation bar. |
| Renamed Themed Icons | "Themed icons" setting is now called "Minimal". |
| New Folder Animation | Updated visual animation when opening app folders. |
| Pixel 10 GPU Driver Update | A driver update aimed at improving graphics performance. |
Enhanced Privacy Indicators for Background Tracking
Perhaps the most significant user-facing privacy enhancement is the new location access indicator. Android has long used a solid green icon to show when the camera or microphone is active. The beta now adds a distinct blue indicator that appears whenever any app begins accessing the device's location in the background. Tapping on this indicator (or the green one) expands a menu that precisely identifies which app is responsible, offering quick shortcuts to stop the app or jump into permission settings. This feature, which was first tested during the Android 13 beta cycle three years ago, finally provides much-needed transparency, helping users identify and control apps that may be unnecessarily tracking their location data.
User-Requested Interface and Functionality Tweaks
The beta brings a collection of small but meaningful quality-of-life improvements directly responding to community feedback. The persistent "At a Glance" widget on the Pixel home screen is now removable, granting users more control over their home screen layout. Another welcomed addition is a manual flashlight strength adjustment setting, allowing users to choose between different brightness levels for the LED flash. For users who prefer classic navigation buttons, the update introduces an option to reverse their order (Back, Home, Recents), aligning with layouts offered by other manufacturers. Visually, folder opening animations have been refreshed, and Google has renamed its "Themed icons" option to "Minimal."
Beta Risks and Eligible Devices
As with any beta software, Google cautions users about potential instability and data loss. A specific warning notes that leaving the beta program after installing QPR3 Beta 1 may lead to data corruption, advising users to exit the program before installing this update if they plan to opt out. The update is available for a vast array of Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 series all the way to the latest Pixel 10 models, including the Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It also includes a GPU driver update specifically for the Pixel 10 series, aiming to address performance criticisms of the Tensor G5 chip that have persisted since launch.
Eligible Devices for Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1:
- Pixel 6 / 6 Pro
- Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8 / 8 Pro / 8a
- Pixel 9 / 9 Pro / 9 Pro XL / 9 Pro Fold / 9a
- Pixel 10 / 10 Pro / 10 Pro XL / 10 Pro Fold
A Focused Step Toward the March Stable Release
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 represents a targeted update rather than a major overhaul. Its value lies in its refinement: delivering specific features users have asked for, closing transparency gaps in app permissions, and subtly advancing Android's desktop aspirations. With the stable release slated for March 2026, this beta allows Google to test these incremental changes at scale, ensuring they are polished and reliable for the broader Pixel user base in the new year.