Google has released the first beta of Android 16 quarterly platform release 2 (QPR2) which introduces an expanded dark theme option that intelligently inverts the UI of apps that don’t have a native dark mode, providing for a more consistent visual experience. The system now also automatically generates a themed icon for an app to match the user’s chosen theme, if a dedicated icon isn’t provided. These two changes should improve the look and feel of Android.
The new update also sees the underlying mechanics of Picture-in-Picture (PiP) transitions refactored, creating smoother and more reliable animations for the user.
In the beta, there’s a new system-level security state called Secure Lock Device which can be remotely activated to immediately lock the phone and require the primary PIN or password for unlocking. The feature may temporarily disable biometric unlock for heightened security. Another security feature is a user-facing toggle to control the Phone Theft Protection feature, which automatically locks a device after multiple failed login attempts. Also, the system now notifies the user when their time zone is automatically changed.
The new beta also brings several new ways to make Android smarter. Firstly, there’s a new Data Transfer API that allows for more reliable data migration when going from iOS to Android. The Output Switcher now integrates personal audio sharing, giving users a more intuitive way to manage and share audio from their apps to multiple Bluetooth devices. Finally, there’s a new system-level slider that allows users to adjust the perceived brightness of HDR content.
The beta program is now available for supported Pixel devices, and users can enroll to receive the update over-the-air. If you’re not feeling very experimental, the final public release of Android 16 QPR2 is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Source: Android Developers Blog