Android 16 QPR2 arrives on Pixel: how the update process changes and the main new features

The arrival of Android 16QPR2 This marks a turning point in how Google updates its operating system. The well-known December "Feature Drop" is now stable for Pixel devices and signals a new release schedule, with more features released throughout the year and less reliance on major annual updates.

This second major quarterly update to Android 16 focuses on making mobile phones smarter, more personalized, and easier to manageThere are profound changes to notifications, dark mode, interface customization, parental controls, and security, with a direct impact on the daily lives of Pixel users in Spain and the rest of Europe.

A new chapter in Android updates: QPR and minor SDKs

With Android 16 QPR2, Google is seriously fulfilling its promise to release system and SDK updates more frequentlyThe company is abandoning the classic model of a single major annual update in favor of a combination of:

• Un main launch (Android 16, now available).
• Several Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) with new features and design adjustments.
• Intermediate Feature Drops with extras for Pixel.

This change in strategy means that Pixel users will receive functions when they are readywithout waiting for Android 17. At the same time, developers have a Minor SDK updated This allows for faster adoption of new APIs while maintaining stability, which is key for banking, messaging, or public service apps used daily in Europe.

Deployment, compatible mobiles and update rate in Europe

The stable version of Android 16QPR2 It is being distributed as part of the December 2025 security patch. The rollout began in the United States and is gradually expanding globally, including Spain and the rest of Europein a matter of days.

The update arrives via OTA (over-the-air) to a wide range of Google devices:

• Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro, and 7a
• 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 and Pixel Fold in its compatible variants

The installation is data-free and can be forced by entering Settings > System > System update and tapping on "Check for updates". Those who participated in the program Android 16 QPR2 Beta They receive a small OTA update to the final version. After that, they can choose to leave the program without having to restore their phone.

In the case of other Android brands sold in Europe (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.), QPR2 is already integrated into AOSP, but Each manufacturer will have to adapt Its layers (One UI, HyperOS, OxygenOS…) and deciding which features to include. There are no firm dates, and some features will likely remain exclusive to Pixel.

Smarter notifications: AI-powered summaries and automatic organizer

One of the most noticeable changes in Android 16 QPR2 is in notifications. Google wants to prevent the user from being overwhelmed through messages, emails, social media alerts and constant offers, so it has strengthened management with artificial intelligence and new categories.

On one hand, the AI-powered notification summariesDesigned primarily for group chats and very long conversations, the system generates a kind of synopsis in the collapsed notification; when expanded, the full content appears, but the user already has a clear idea of ​​the important points without reading everything.

On the other hand, a new film is being released notification organizer which automatically groups and silences low-priority alerts: promotions, general news, marketing campaigns, or some social media notifications. They are grouped into categories such as "News", "Promotions" or "Social Alerts" and are displayed at the bottom of the panel, with app icons stacked to save visual space.

Google assures that the processing is carried out locally on the device whenever possibleThis is an important detail for compliance with European privacy regulations. Furthermore, the APIs have been updated so that third-party apps can integrate with this system, respect automatic classification, and collaborate with... apps to block trackers.

Customization: Material 3 Expressive, icons, and extended dark mode

Android has always prided itself on allowing very different phones, and with Android 16 QPR2 Google is trying to take that idea a step further, relying on Material 3 Expressive, the design language that debuted with this version of the system.

On the home screen, users can choose between new custom icon shapes For apps: classic circles, rounded squares, and various other shapes. These shapes are applied to both the desktop and folders, and are combined with the thematic icons that automatically adapt the color to the wallpaper and system theme.

QPR2 also reinforces the forced theming of icons for applications that do not offer adapted resources. The system generates stylized versions for unify the interface aestheticsso that the app drawer and home screen look more homogeneous, even with third-party apps that haven't updated their design.

Visually, the arrival of Extended dark modeUntil now, dark mode depended on each app offering its own version. Android 16 QPR2 adds an option that attempts to... force the dark appearance In most applications that don't natively support it, adjusting colors and contrasts to maintain readability. Besides visual comfort, it can also represent a battery saving on OLED screens, something relevant in the typical intensive use in Europe.

Widgets and lock screen: more information without unlocking

The QPR2 revives and modernizes the idea of ​​having Widgets accessible from the lock screenSwiping left reveals a new "hub" view where you can place various widgets: calendar, notes, home automation, multimedia controls, and other compatible elements.

The configuration is managed from Settings > Display > Lock screen > Widgets on the lock screenIt's possible to rearrange and resize components, as well as add or remove widgets, by pressing and holding the screen. Google warns that anyone can see this information without unlocking the phone, although for Opening an app from the widget requires authentication (fingerprint, PIN or facial recognition).

The classic widget panel is also revamped: it now has tabs "Featured" and "Browse"The first shows suggestions based on usage, while the second offers a more compact list by application, with a search function.

Parental controls and Family Link: easier to control your kids' mobile phones

Google has been offering this for years. Family LinkHowever, their use was quite discreet. Android 16 QPR2 attempts to give it a boost by better integrating these controls into the system itself and making them more visible and easier to configure for European families.

In Settings, the parental controls of digital wellbeing. From there, parents can set limits on:

• Daily screen time on the device.
• Off-peak hoursFor example, at bedtime or during school.
• Usage by applicationlimiting social networks, games, or other specific apps.

These settings are managed directly on the child's phone, which is protected by a PIN that prevents unwanted changesIt is possible to add extra minutes at specific times if the limit is reached ahead of schedule.

In addition, functions such as the following are maintained and refined: location alerts, the weekly usage reports and the app purchase approvalsSynchronization between linked devices is improved, reducing errors and delays in applying restrictions, something many parents were requesting.

Improvements in security, privacy and fraud detection

Android 16 QPR2 arrives accompanied by December 2025 security patchwhich corrects more than thirty vulnerabilities, including privilege escalation flaws, and strengthens defenses against threats such as Sturnus banking TrojanThe system security version is set to 2025-12-05.

In addition to the patches, there are new features focused on the protection against scams and unauthorized access. The function "Circle to Search", Google's smart gesture which allows you to select any content on screen to perform an AI query, can now analyze messages, ads or screenshots and warn of possible scams, suggesting actions such as blocking numbers or avoiding suspicious links.

In the field of authentication, some models receive Secure lockThis option allows you to remotely and quickly lock the device in case of theft or loss, tightening the conditions for unlocking even if someone knows the PIN.

They are also introduced Delays in the delivery of SMS messages with OTP codes (verification codes) in certain scenarios, a measure designed to make it more difficult for malware or malicious apps to intercept them immediately and automatically.

Urgent calls, Google Phone, and identity verification

La app Google Phone It adds a feature that can be very practical in tight situations: the "Urgent" callsWhen dialing a saved contact, you can add a reason and mark that call as urgent.

The recipient's mobile phone will display a visible notification indicating that it is a priority call. If they cannot answer, the The history will also show the urgency label.making it easier for that person to return the call more quickly when they see the missed notification.

In parallel, Google is expanding what it calls identity verificationSome actions within the system and certain applications will require biometric authentication, even in areas where a PIN was previously sufficient or no authentication was required at all. The goal is to make it more difficult for someone who gains access to the phone to reach sensitive sections such as payment information, passwords, or personal data.

Expressive subtitles, accessibility, and improvements in Gboard

Android 16 QPR2 strengthens accessibility options with several relevant new features for users with hearing or visual difficulties. The Live CaptionThese tools, which generate automatic subtitles for almost any content (videos, live streams, social media), are becoming richer and incorporating tags that describe emotions or ambient sounds.

These labels -for example «», «» or mentions of applause and background noises- help to better understand the context of the scene, which is useful both for people with hearing problems and for those who consume content without sound.

In the field of vision, Google continues to expand the use of Guided Frame and Gemini-guided functions to describe scenes or help frame photos using voice, although for now its availability is limited and depends on the language.

Gboard, Google's keyboard, adds quicker access to tools like emoji kitchenwhich allows you to combine emojis to create new stickers, and simplifies the activation of features such as TalkBack or voice control with double-tap gestures.

Fingerprint unlock with the screen off: partial return

One of the most talked-about features in the community is the return of the fingerprint unlock with the screen off (screen-off fingerprint unlock) in Android 16 QPR2. This option had appeared in previous betas, disappeared from the final version of Android 16 and now returns in this update.

In the security settings of some Pixel phones, a specific switch To enable unlocking with the screen off. When enabled, simply place your finger on the sensor area to access the phone without first turning on the screen or touching the power button.

However, the feature is not available uniformly: the Pixel 9 and later generationsDevices that use ultrasonic fingerprint sensors under the screen officially support this feature. These sensors don't need to illuminate the finger area to work, as they use high-frequency sound waves to create a 3D map of the fingerprint.

In contrast, the Pixel 8 and earlier models use sensors opticalwhich function almost like a mini-camera. They need bright light to "see" the finger, which requires turning on part of the screen. Google seems to have chosen not to enable this option by default on these models for reasons of reliability and user experience.

However, advanced users have found that, after updating to Android 16 QPR2, activation can be forced using ADB commandsNo root access required. The switch doesn't appear in the menus, but the phone's behavior changes, and you can unlock it by placing your finger on the screen while it's dark. The same command allows you to revert the setting if it causes problems or excessive battery drain.

Improvements to multitasking, split screen, and HDR brightness

Android 16 QPR2 also refines several details in the daily experience. One of them is the 90:10 split screen, a new ratio that allows one app to remain almost full screen while another is reduced to a minimum, useful for chatting or checking something quickly without giving up the main content.

The update adds controls in Screen and touch to adjust the enhanced HDR brightnessYou can compare a standard SDR image with an HDR image and move a slider to define how much intensity you want to apply, balancing spectacularity and visual comfort, something relevant when consuming HDR content in dark environments.

In addition, a practical option is introduced when you press and hold an icon on the home screen: shortcut buttons appear for "Remove" the icon (without dragging) and to add specific app shortcuts to the desktop, speeding up navigation to specific functions.

Improved Quick Share, Health Connect, and small system aids

In the area of ​​file sharing, Android 16 QPR2 strengthens QuickShare with a simple tap between devices. When both phones have Quick Share enabled, simply bring the top of one phone close to the other to initiate the connection and send content, in an experience reminiscent of similar features on other platforms.

The service HealthConnect It takes a step forward and is able to directly record the daily steps using only your phonewithout the need for a smartwatch. The information is centralized so that health and fitness apps can read it with the user's permission.

Another small new feature is the option to receive notifications when changing time zonesIf the user travels frequently or lives near a time zone boundary, the system will notify them when it detects a new time zone, helping to avoid scheduling conflicts and reminders.

Chrome, Messages and other key apps get updated

QPR2 also includes changes to essential apps. Google Chrome para Android, the possibility is introduced of fix tabs so that they remain accessible even when closing and reopening the browser, which is useful for work, banking, or documentation pages that are consulted daily.

En Google MessagesGroup invitations and spam management have been improved, with a quick report button that speeds up the blocking of problematic senders. Work is also underway on clearer multi-thread management for users handling several simultaneous conversations.

Finally, an access point is placed to Live Caption directly in the volume control, making it easier to activate or deactivate automatic subtitles without going into secondary menus, something that can make all the difference during a call, a live stream, or a video on social media.

Android 16 QPR2 is not just a maintenance update: it redefines how and when new features arrive on Pixel phones and focuses on very practical areas such as AI-powered notifications, visual personalization, family digital usage control, and fraud protectionFor Pixel users in Spain and Europe, the result is a more polished and flexible system, which will constantly add features without having to wait for a major version jump every year.