Google has released Android 16 QPR2, introducing updates across user experience, developer tools, media, connectivity, and security. This is the first minor SDK release, allowing faster delivery of new APIs while maintaining compatibility with existing apps. Minor SDK releases focus on additive changes rather than behavior modifications, reducing the need for extensive regression testing.
Platform Evolution: Minor SDK Release
Android 16 QPR2 enables quicker rollout of features outside the annual major release cycle. Key aspects include:
- Additive updates, minimizing impact on app compatibility
- Behavior changes focused on security and accessibility, such as SMS OTP protection and expanded dark theme
- New Build class fields:
SDK_INT_FULLandVERSION_CODES_FULLto detect updated APIs
This structure ensures developers can integrate new functionality efficiently.
Enhanced User Experience and Customization
QPR2 introduces features to improve accessibility and personalization:
- Expanded Dark Theme: Provides consistent low-light interface for users with photosensitivity or vision challenges. Apps using DayNight themes automatically invert; custom apps must set
isLightTheme="false".
- Custom Icon Shapes & Auto-Theming: Users can select app icon shapes system-wide; the system can generate themed icons if an app does not provide one.
- Interactive Chooser Sessions: Sharing UI remains dynamic, allowing real-time content updates while the system share sheet is open.
Developer Productivity and Performance
Updates enhance app development and performance:
- Linux Development Environment: Supports GUI applications within the terminal
- Generational Garbage Collection (CMC): Focuses on newly allocated objects, reducing CPU usage and improving battery efficiency
- Widget Engagement Metrics: Track clicks, scrolls, and impressions to analyze user interactions
- 16KB Page Size Readiness: Early warning dialogs identify apps not aligned to 16KB page size for future architecture requirements
Media, Connectivity, and Health Updates
QPR2 adds support for improved media and health features:
- Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF): Software decoding for spatial audio
- Personal Audio Sharing: Integrated in the system Output Switcher for Bluetooth LE Audio
- Health Connect: Automatic step tracking via device sensors; Weight, set index, and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) tracking in exercises, and Data accessible to apps with
READ_STEPSpermission - Data Migration: A new 3rd-party API enables reliable transfers between Android and iOS devices
Privacy and Security Enhancements
Security updates include:
- Developer Verification: APIs and ADB commands allow app verification; developers can bypass for testing
- SMS OTP Protection: Messages containing SMS retriever hashes are delayed for three hours;
RECEIVE_SMSbroadcasts withheld until the delay expires - Secure Lock Device: Locks devices remotely via “Find My Device,” requiring the primary PIN, pattern, or password; hides notifications, restricts quick actions, and temporarily disables biometric unlock
Availability
Android 16 QPR2 will roll out over the air to Pixel devices soon. Non-Pixel users can access 64-bit system images through Android Emulator in Android Studio. Beta users can opt out to receive the official release OTA. Google recommends using the latest Canary build of Android Studio Otter for development.