Android 16’s stable release is on the horizon, following the completion of its beta program, which has progressed to the Android 16 Quarterly Platform Release 1 (QPR1). This release will feature Google’s new Material 3 Expressive UI and has already been updated with the first minor iteration—Beta 1.1—to rectify various bugs, mainly related to user interface issues. The Beta 1.1 update is relatively small in size but addresses several critical problems, including unresponsive navigation buttons, errors in the media player progress display, and other application crashes or display inconsistencies. As part of QPR1, this update will eventually transition to a stable version, marked as the first Pixel Feature Drop since the launch of Android 16.
Although some of the new animations and changes have already been implemented, initial glitches prompted Google to release a second beta. Google unveiled Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1 on Reddit and announced its release around 5:30 p.m. ET, roughly two hours behind the usual schedule. The update carries a build number of BP31.250502.008.A1 and is available for all supported devices, including Google’s range of phones, tablets, and foldables starting from the Pixel 6.
The release notes detail numerous bug fixes, focusing primarily on UI problems. Significant fixes include resolving issues with unresponsive navigation buttons in the app drawer, inaccuracies in the media player’s progress bar, and crashes occurring when accessing certain settings or features. The update is offered via an over-the-air (OTA) process for all eligible devices enrolled in the Android Beta for Pixel program. Although the update is modest at 7.74MB, it features playful animations and introduces the distinctive Material 3 Expressive update screen.
While we await the stable Android 16 release, it seems unlikely to arrive until at least next week, given that major updates are usually avoided just before weekends. If you’re part of the Android Beta Program, you can install the update through the system settings, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy installation process.
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