Google kicks off Android 16 QPR3 testing with Beta 1

Following the release of stable Android 16 QPR2 earlier this month, Google has pushed the first beta of the platform’s next quarterly release. Android 16 QPR3 will also be the last major update to the OS, with the company focusing on Android 17 after its release.

The stable build of Android 16 QPR3 will roll out to compatible Pixel devices in March 2026. Since the update is scheduled to arrive next year, Google has also tweaked its naming scheme for the build number. That’s why the build ID for the first beta starts from CP11, whereas QPR2 builds began with BP41. Google will follow the same build ID naming for Android 17 betas.

Android 16 QPR3 beta 1 is available for all Pixel devices, starting from the Pixel 6 and later. You can install the beta on your Pixel by joining the Android beta program. And if you’re already enrolled, an OTA should be available on your phone for installation.

Installing the beta won’t wipe your data on the phone — unless you are running a Canary build and want to switch channels. As a precaution, you should also always create a backup before installing any such major beta build. Alternatively, OTA and factory images are also available if you prefer to manually flash the update.

Google will likely release 3–4 betas of Android 16 QPR3 before pushing the stable build to the public in March 2026.

Do note that if you want to opt out of the Android beta program without wiping, do not install the Android 16 QPR3 beta. Otherwise, you will have to stick to the beta until QPR3 goes stable.

What’s new in Android 16 QPR3?

Google does not publish an official change log of the QPR beta builds. So, it’s up to excited Pixel users to discover all the new features and changes.

So far, Redditors have spotted a built-in flashlight brightness adjustment and the ability to (finally!) remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen. There are supposedly some animation-related tweaks in the Pixel Launcher as well, including a refreshed folder-opening animation.

It’s unclear whether Android 16 QPR3 also includes an improved Android-to-iPhone tool that makes it easier to migrate more data to an iPhone.

There will likely be more underlying changes that will surface in the coming days.