Android 16 QPR 1 is available on Pixel devices. The major update is the introduction of Material 3 Expressive, which features a much more colorful aesthetic compared to previous versions. This brings a fresh look to users’ smartphones.
Material 3 Expressive is the new design from Google, which has also been integrated into Google Maps. This interface is now available with Android 16 QPR 1 for Pixel devices, which have been enjoying the latest OS version for several weeks. It is worth noting that a testing phase was conducted with 18,000 users prior to this global rollout.
Your smartphone looks brand new with Android 16 QPR1 adding Material 3 Expressive
Material 3 Expressive features a more readable lock screen layout. The clock and weather have also been revamped, and quick settings shortcuts can now be displayed as simple icons. Users can opt to show 16 icons instead of 8. The notifications panel displays the actual logos of applications without grouping them thematically.
Several other enhancements are present in the settings, including a desktop mode in the developer options from the Pixel 8. This allows users to connect their Google smartphone to an external display for a PC-like experience with movable windows and a taskbar.
Here is the list of Pixel smartphones benefitting from Material 3 Expression:
- Pixel 6:
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9a
- Pixel 10
- Pixel 10 Pro
- Pixel 10 Pro XL
As mentioned in our columns, Android 16 QPR 1 now includes Live Updates for tracking routes on Google Maps or food delivery on Uber Eats, featuring a dedicated notification at the top of the screen that remains visible and shows progress steps.
The Android 16 QPR 1 update is available starting today for devices from Pixel 6 up to the brand-new Pixel 10, which is experiencing a display bug. To take advantage of this, users can navigate to Settings > System > System update and tap Check for updates if the notification is not yet available.
It is important to note that these features come with the September Feature Drop, including all Android 16 functionalities. This update will be rolled out to other smartphones through overlays such as Samsung’s One UI 8 or Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3.
