Android 16's final quarterly beta is here for Pixel phones

Google has released the first beta for the third and final quarterly platform release of Android 16. Specifically, Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is now available for all Pixel devices that use Google's Tensor chip.

For those already enrolled in the Android Beta Program, the update will arrive automatically over-the-air (OTA). Installing this update will keep devices on the beta channel until March 2026, unless users opt-out and install the downgrade OTA, which will wipe all data.

Google doesn't plan to include new developer-focused features or update the SDK version for Android 16 QPR3, a departure from Android 16 QPR2. This is because their updated release schedule now includes only one minor SDK version bump each year. While this could change, that is currently the plan.

• Key details for Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1:
• Release date: December 17, 2025
• Build IDs: CP11.251114.006
• Security patch level: 2025-12-05

The build ID starts with “CP1A” because Android 16 QPR3 is slated for release in March 2026, marking the first quarterly release of the year. Google has started a new prefacing letter for this release. Furthermore, the subsequent major Android release in 2026, Android 17 (codenamed Cinnamon Bun), also contributes to the “C” prefix in these build IDs.

Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is compatible with Pixel 6 models and newer. Users with a Pixel device running the stable December 2025 update can join the Android Beta program to upgrade to QPR3 Beta 1. Once enrolled, the OTA update will be pushed to the device.

Devices already running QPR2 Beta 3.3 that have not opted out of the beta program will automatically receive the QPR3 Beta 1 update. Those who opted out to install the stable QPR2 release will need to re-enroll to receive the new beta.

Users on the 2512 Android Canary release will need to manually install QPR3 Beta 1, since Google has not created an OTA update for that migration path. It's recommended that users wipe their phone’s data before doing so.

Finally, installing Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 means users will not be able to revert to the stable track without wiping their data until the stable version of Android 16 QPR3 is released in March 2026.