Here's everything you need to know about Google's upcoming Android 16 update

Google has officially rolled out the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 update for eligible Pixel devices, marking a significant step toward the stable release expected globally in June. In contrast to the previous beta builds and previews, these Quarterly Platform Releases are intended to be sufficiently stable for daily use.

This latest beta introduces several aesthetic and functional upgrades, primarily drawn from the recently unveiled Material 3 Expressive design language. These enhancements touch various areas of the interface, including the lock screen, launcher, notifications, and quick settings.

The Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 is now accessible for a wide range of Pixel devices – from the Pixel 6 lineup to the latest Pixel 9 series, including models like the Pixel Fold, Tablet, and Pro variants. One of the key visual upgrades includes resizable Quick Settings (QS) tiles that now feature background blur and customizable sizes. Users can shrink tiles to half their size, showing only icons without labels, and can adjust them by tapping and dragging a slider. These tiles are now categorized into groups such as Connectivity, Utilities, Display, Privacy, Accessibility, and apps (both system and installed), with a reset button conveniently located at the bottom.

Additionally, the QS Brightness slider has been redesigned into a more rectangular shape with a clear handlebar. When inactive, QS tiles display as circular icons; once activated, they shift to rounded squares or rectangles.

The Notification Shade also sees changes, now with a blurred backdrop and pill-shaped buttons for viewing history, clearing all notifications, and adjusting alert settings. Meanwhile, the Recents menu has been overhauled into a cleaner grid layout-an especially useful change for foldable devices like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. A hovering icon above app previews has been replaced with a new pill-shaped settings button.

Home screen layout options now include new grid sizes, and the lock screen has been restructured. “At a Glance” now appears beneath the clock, and when the clock is aligned to a corner, date and weather details shift accordingly.

Other visual tweaks include updates to the App List, which now appears on a sheet instead of full-screen; a refreshed Audio Sharing interface; redesigned volume controls; and an updated look across the Settings menu, App Info screen, and Wallpaper & Style section.