- By Alex David
- Mon, 04 Aug 2025 01:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Android 16 rolled out to Pixel phones in June—but let’s be honest, you probably didn’t even notice. Visually and functionally, it felt like Android 15 all over again. That’s about to change.
Google is now preparing to launch Android 16 QPR1, the first major quarterly update, and this one packs more punch. It’s currently in Beta 3, and the stable release is just weeks away. Expect a visual refresh, improved notifications, and even a sneak peek at a full desktop mode.
What Is Android 16 QPR1?
QPR stands for Quarterly Platform Release, and QPR1 is the first such update for Android 16 since its stable rollout in June. Google typically ships QPR updates every three months to Pixel phones and AOSP.
Android 16 QPR1 is already in its third and final beta phase, which usually means the public stable version is imminent. And unlike the Android 16 launch, this one includes real changes you’ll notice immediately.
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Material 3 Expressive: A Long-Awaited Visual Upgrade
In this year's first Quarter Product Release (QPR1), the redesign of Material 3 Expressive stands out as the most notable alteration. Given that Android 13 has not received any major updates since 2022, this overhaul has been a long time coming.
M3E Expressive enhancements include the use of bolder hues, sharper contrasts, and clearer shapes. These changes will be visible on Pixel devices and will include:
- A redesigned status bar with cleaner icons
- New Quick Settings that allow tile resizing
- A refreshed volume slider
- Better focus on important elements at a glance
While the changes won’t affect apps directly, Google is rolling out M3E styling to its apps gradually. Third-party developers will follow suit at their own pace.
Smarter, Cleaner Notifications
Android 16 QPR1 also introduces Live Updates, a new class of notifications that work similarly to Apple’s Live Activities. These updates show real-time progress for activities like food delivery, ride-sharing, and fitness tracking—directly on the lock screen or status bar.
Other tweaks include:
- Only new notifications appear as banners on the lock screen
- Older notifications are condensed into icons, making the screen less cluttered
- More glanceable info, less visual noise
- These are subtle changes but they dramatically improve how you interact with your phone without opening apps.
Desktop Mode Is Finally Here (Sort Of)
This might be the most intriguing addition: Android’s first native desktop interface.
Currently tucked behind a developer flag in QPR1 beta, desktop mode lets you connect your Pixel phone to an external monitor and use it like a PC. Think Samsung DeX—but built by Google.
Interestingly, Google has acknowledged that this system is built on groundwork laid by Samsung. And Samsung’s own One UI 8, also based on Android 16, integrates this feature too.
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Whether it’ll be turned on by default in QPR1’s stable release isn’t certain—but even as an opt-in feature, this could be a big step toward a future where Android replaces your laptop.
Android 16 QPR1 Release Date
According to insider Mishaal Rahman, Android 16 QPR1 will hit AOSP on August 20—the same day as Google’s expected Pixel 10 event. The update is expected to roll out to Pixel phones on September 3.
That timeline fits perfectly with Google’s three-month QPR schedule.
Final Thoughts
Android 16 may have launched quietly, but QPR1 is where the real upgrades begin. With a fresh Material design, smarter notifications, and a hidden desktop mode, this update brings both polish and potential. If you’ve been waiting for Android to feel new again, the wait’s almost over. Keep an eye on early September—Pixel users will be the first to see it in action.