Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 Hotfix Update Released (Download)

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The Android beta program has rolled out its latest update, and the Android community is buzzing with discoveries. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 rolled out today based on Google’s December 2025 Feature Drop for Pixel devices, featuring fixes for apps crashing on startup. Here’s everything new in Android 16 QPR3.

The QPR3 beta brings platform improvements, performance optimizations, and several user-requested features that have been years in the making. It introduces several notable enhancements to the Pixel experience, including native flashlight brightness control, Vulkan 1.4 GPU support, and improved call screening compatibility with Advanced Protection. The removable At a Glance widget offers increased home screen flexibility for users who prefer minimal interfaces.

As for the Beta 1.1 hotfix update, it specifically targets app crash at launch. The issues are listed here Issue #470144317, and here Issue #470214834). Users confirmed Chase app crashing has been fixed. However, Microsoft apps (Teams, Outlook, Edge) are reportedly still crashing on startup.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 New Features

If you’re a Pixel owner wondering whether to join the beta program, curious about the new features, or concerned about potential issues, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll walk through the major changes, installation process, common problems users are experiencing, and expert tips for a smooth beta experience.

What Is Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1?

Quarterly Platform Releases (QPRs) are Google’s method of delivering substantial feature updates between major Android versions. Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1, released in December 2025, carries build numbers CP11.251114.007.

This release includes the December 2025 security patches alongside new platform features, bug fixes, and performance optimizations. Unlike minor security updates, QPR releases often introduce meaningful user-facing improvements that enhance the overall Android experience.

Major New Features in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1

Built-in Flashlight Brightness Control

One of the most celebrated additions is native flashlight brightness adjustment. Android users have long relied on third-party apps for this basic functionality, making its inclusion in the system UI a welcome change. You can now adjust flashlight intensity directly from the quick settings panel, eliminating the need for workarounds or additional apps.

This feature addresses a common frustration where the standard flashlight brightness was either too dim for outdoor use or unnecessarily bright for close-range tasks. The granular control now available puts users in command of their device’s LED intensity.

Removable At a Glance Widget

The At a Glance widget, which displays weather, calendar events, and other contextual information on your home screen, can now be removed or hidden on select devices. Early adopters discovered this feature by long-pressing the widget, selecting settings, and toggling “Show on home screen.”

However, availability appears inconsistent across devices. Some Pixel 8 users report immediate access, while Pixel 9 Pro XL owners initially saw nothing. The feature seems to require a Google Play System update followed by a device restart. This staggered rollout suggests server-side activation controlling feature availability.

Vulkan 1.4 GPU Driver Support

For gaming enthusiasts and graphics-intensive app users, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 brings Vulkan 1.4 support through updated GPU drivers. This means a significant advancement in graphics rendering capabilities, particularly for the Pixel 10 series which received specific driver updates from Imagination Technologies.

Vulkan 1.4 enables more efficient graphics processing, potentially improving game performance, reducing power consumption during GPU-intensive tasks, and allowing developers to implement more sophisticated visual effects. While casual users may not notice immediate differences, this update lays groundwork for future gaming and graphics applications.

Enhanced Call Screening with Advanced Protection

Google has resolved a longstanding conflict between Advanced Protection and call screening features. Previously, users enrolled in Advanced Protection could not select “maximum” or “medium” call screening levels. This limitation forced security-conscious users to choose between comprehensive device protection and effective spam call filtering.

The fix allows Advanced Protection users to access all call screening options, eliminating an unnecessary trade-off between security features. This change particularly benefits users in high-risk categories who rely on Advanced Protection while also dealing with persistent spam calls.

User Interface and Settings Reorganization

Several interface refinements improve system navigation and organization. Device Health and Support now occupies its own dedicated settings page rather than being buried within other menus. Various settings have been relocated for more intuitive access, including the 2G protection toggle.

A new folder opening animation has been introduced, though user reception remains mixed. Some find it visually appealing but slightly slower than previous animations. These subtle interface changes reflect Google’s ongoing effort to refine Android’s user experience through iterative improvements.

Eligible Pixel Devices

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 supports an extensive range of Pixel hardware:

Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a
Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a, and Fold
Pixel 8, 8 Pro, and 8a
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and 9a
Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold
Pixel Tablet series devices

This comprehensive support demonstrates Google’s commitment to providing extended beta access across multiple device generations. Even Pixel 6 owners from 2021 can participate, ensuring a large testing base for Google’s development team.

How to download Android 16 QPR3 Beta?

Do note that beta software inherently comes with trade-offs. Installation issues affect some users, particularly those with newer Pixel 10 devices. Battery life and stability concerns make this release unsuitable for users who depend on their devices for critical tasks.

If you’re comfortable with beta software limitations and have a backup device or can tolerate potential issues, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 offers an exciting preview of upcoming features. For most users, waiting for the stable public release in early 2025 provides a better experience without compromising device reliability.

Joining the Android beta program requires just a few steps:

Visit the official Android Beta Program website
Sign in with the Google account associated with your Pixel device
Select your eligible device from the list
Confirm enrollment and accept program terms
Wait for the over-the-air (OTA) update notification
Download and install the beta update

Once enrolled, your device automatically receives all subsequent beta updates until you manually opt out. The initial update size varies depending on your current Android version, with some users reporting downloads ranging from 555MB to over 2GB.