What to know

  • Google has released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 to eligible Pixel devices, introducing Material 3 Expressive design language.
  • The update brings customizable color schemes, improved animations, and refined UI elements for a more personalized experience.
  • This beta release is available for Pixel 6 series and newer devices, with the stable version expected in December 2025.

Google has officially started rolling out Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 to eligible Pixel devices, marking the first quarterly platform release for Android 16. This update introduces the much-anticipated Material 3 Expressive design language, which represents a significant evolution of Google's design philosophy.

Material 3 Expressive builds upon the foundation of Material You, giving you more control over how your device looks and feels. The update introduces expanded color schemes that adapt more intelligently to your wallpaper, with improved contrast and accessibility features built in.

The new design language brings smoother animations throughout the system. App transitions now feel more natural, with subtle motion effects that make navigation feel more intuitive. Icons and UI elements have been refined with more depth and dimension while maintaining a clean aesthetic.

Google has also enhanced the customization options in this release. You can now choose from several different color extraction modes, allowing for more vibrant or subtle themes based on your preference. The update also introduces new widget designs that better integrate with your chosen color scheme.

The beta is currently available for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel 9 series devices. You can enroll your eligible device in the Android Beta Program through Google's website to receive the update over-the-air.

As with any beta release, Google warns that you may encounter bugs and performance issues. The company recommends backing up your data before installing the beta software. This release is primarily intended for developers to test their apps against the new design language and APIs.

According to Google's release schedule, Android 16 QPR1 should reach stable status in December 2025, following several more beta releases. The company is expected to incorporate user feedback from this beta to refine the Material 3 Expressive experience before the final release.

Third-party app developers will need to update their applications to fully support the new design language. Google has published updated design guidelines and developer resources to help facilitate this transition.