Google has begun rolling out the Android 16 QPR2 update for supported Pixel devices, introducing several new features alongside important bug fixes. This update also includes the December Android security patch.
The update brings AI-powered notification summaries that condense lengthy messages and group chats within the notification shade, improving organization by prioritizing and grouping alerts more effectively.
Customization options have been enhanced with this release, offering users new home-screen icon shapes, improved themed icons, and an Expanded Dark Mode that dims apps which don’t natively support dark themes.
A new low-light mode in Screen Saver settings automatically adjusts the clock brightness based on ambient lighting. Additionally, an Enhanced HDR Brightness toggle under Display and Touch settings lets users reduce HDR brightness intensity for a more comfortable viewing experience.
Parental controls within the Settings app have been improved with PIN protection. Parents can now set screen-time limits, schedule downtime, manage app usage with timers, and more, providing greater control and security.
The Expressive Options feature delivers real-time captions with ambient sound and emotion tags on video messages, live streams, and social media stories. Gboard users also receive new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations.
Upcoming additions to the Phone app include a Call Reason feature, allowing callers to mark calls as urgent to prompt quicker responses from recipients.
Navigation improvements allow users to leave or report group chats with fewer taps, while the Circle to Search function helps scan text messages and chats for scams. Chrome browser now supports pinned tabs for easier access to frequently used websites.
The Android 16 QPR2 update is currently being distributed in phases to Pixel 6 and later models.
