Google Releases Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 for Pixel Phones

Google has begun rolling out Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 to its Pixel phones, tablets, and foldables. The update started this week and targets devices from the Pixel 6 series up to the latest Pixel 10 models. It comes after an initial beta release last month before the holidays. The changes focus on fixing bugs reported by users, and Google plans a stable version for March 2026.

Background

Android updates come in different forms. Monthly patches mainly handle security and small bugs. Quarterly Platform Releases, or QPRs, bring bigger changes to how the system works. Google says these QPRs are stable enough for everyday use, even in beta form. This makes them different from early developer previews that might have more problems.

The Android 16 QPR3 series started with a beta last month. That build let testers try new features and report issues. Google used that feedback to make Beta 2. The update includes the January 2026 security patch, dated January 5. It also updates Google Play services to version 25.47.33. Testers can report bugs through the Android Beta Feedback app on their devices or on Reddit's Android Beta community.

Pixel owners who joined the beta program see the update over the air. It works on the Android Emulator too, though details on that are still coming. This release shows Google's push to improve stability as the year starts.

Key Details

Beta 2 fixes a wide range of problems in stability, performance, and usability. It addresses at least 12 specific issues based on user reports. Here are the main fixes:

• Fixed system crashes and device freezes that happened in different situations.
• Corrected battery drain, especially overnight, by better managing background processes.
• Made sure devices respect charging limits instead of going to 100%.
• Improved Wi-Fi speeds that were too slow due to a connection bug.
• Solved missed calls and delays when switching to speakerphone during talks by updating audio routing.
• Stopped crashes when opening radio information settings.
• Fixed app drawer freezing during scrolling with changes to how the screen renders elements.
• Reduced battery use from Android Auto logging too much screen time.
• Cleared up graphical glitches in the notification shade, especially in full-screen or picture-in-picture modes.
• Ended screen flickering when waking from Always-On Display with a system webview update.
• Fixed crashes in apps like Microsoft ones managed by Intune due to system compatibility.
• Improved wireless charging reliability and wired charging speed through power management tweaks.
• Prevented crashes on foldable Pixels when folding with an app open by handling app states better.

Device List

The update reaches these Pixel models:

• Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
• 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

Users get a notification to install once it's ready for their device. The rollout happens in stages to watch for problems.

"QPR betas are suitable for general use, though we recommend backing up your device first."
— Google Android Beta Program

What This Means

For Pixel users in the beta program, this update means smoother daily use. Battery life should hold up better overnight and during charging. Calls and Wi-Fi connections work more reliably, cutting frustrations like dropped audio or slow browsing. The notification shade and app drawer feel faster without lags or visual bugs.

Foldable owners see fewer crashes when using the hinge. App developers benefit from fixes for compatibility, like with Microsoft tools. The January security patch adds protection against new threats.

This beta sets the stage for the stable Android 16 QPR3 in March. Google often uses these releases to test features that later go wide. Users not in beta wait for the full version, but they already got smaller January updates on stable Android 16.

Beta testers help shape the final product. Their reports led to these 12 fixes, and more feedback will refine future builds. Pixel owners get seven years of updates, so devices from 2021 models still qualify. This keeps older phones secure and capable.

The release timing fits Google's pattern. After stable QPR2 in December, QPR3 beta moved fast. It gives time to polish before spring. Developers can test on the emulator for apps targeting Android 16.