Google has just released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, giving Pixel users an early preview of the highly anticipated Material 3 Expressive design language. Announced during the Android Show: I/O Edition, this beta introduces a bold, fluid, and visually engaging redesign of Android’s user interface. While the stable Android 16 release is set for June, this Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) beta showcases key elements of Google’s latest design vision, paving the way for a major update later this year. Let’s explore what’s new, how Material 3 Expressive transforms the Android experience, and how you can try it out.

What Is Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1?

Google’s QPR updates are known for delivering significant features beyond standard bug fixes, often previewing changes that appear in Pixel Feature Drops. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, which began rolling out on May 20, 2025, with build number BP31.250502.008 and the May 2025 security patch, is available for a wide range of Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and the Android Emulator.

The highlight of this beta is the debut of Material 3 Expressive, Google’s latest evolution of its Material Design framework. Although the stable Android 16 release next month won’t include this redesign, QPR1 Beta 1 offers an early look at the visual and interactive upgrades coming in September. For those in the Android Beta Program, this is a chance to experience Android’s future aesthetic firsthand.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1: Key Details

Supported Devices

• Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
• Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
• Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
• Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
• Pixel Tablet
• Pixel Fold
• Android Emulator

Build Information

• Build Number: BP31.250502.008
• Security Patch: May 2025
• Size: Approximately 574 MB (varies by device)

Key Features

• Initial rollout of Material 3 Expressive design elements
• Updated notification shade, Quick Settings panel, lock screen, and launcher
• Performance enhancements and bug fixes

How to Install

1. Enroll your eligible Pixel device in the Android Beta Program at google.com/android/beta.
2. Go to Settings > System > Software updates > System update > Check for updates to receive the OTA update.
3. Alternatively, manually sideload the OTA file from Google’s Full OTA Image hosting site.
4. Note: Opting out after installing QPR1 Beta 1 will wipe your device. To avoid this, opt out before installing and wait for the stable Android 16 release.

Important Notes

• This beta is “suitable for general use” but may have bugs.
• Report issues using the Android Beta Feedback app via the Google issue tracker.
• Join the Android Beta community on Reddit for discussions and support.

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Material 3 Expressive: Redefining Android’s Look and Feel

Material 3 Expressive builds on Material You, introduced in Android 12, and elevates Android’s design with vibrant, dynamic, and emotionally engaging elements. Google calls it the “most significant and profound” aesthetic overhaul in Android’s history, focusing on fluid animations and adaptive interfaces. Here’s what you’ll notice in the beta:

Updated UI Components

• Notification Shade: Notifications feature smoother animations and a cleaner layout, with subtle reactions and haptic feedback when dismissing items.
• Quick Settings Panel: Redesigned for better accessibility, it now requires a two-finger swipe to access, which may feel unfamiliar at first.
• Lock Screen: A streamlined design with collapsed notifications enhances quick interactions.
• Launcher: The home screen launcher boasts updated visuals and physics-based animations aligned with the expressive aesthetic.

Spring-Based Motion System

A new spring-based motion system makes interactions feel natural and responsive. For instance, swiping away a notification triggers a smooth “detach” effect, with nearby notifications subtly reacting, creating a lively yet polished UI.

Dynamic Color and Typography

Building on Material You’s wallpaper-based Dynamic Color, Material 3 Expressive introduces bolder color schemes and refined typography. Customizable typefaces and improved legibility enhance accessibility, while vibrant aesthetics ensure a cohesive, personalized look across the OS.

Background Blur and Visual Enhancements

Background blur effects add depth to elements like notifications and Quick Settings, paired with “springier” animations for a modern, fluid feel that competes with other mobile platforms. However, Google apps like Gmail, Photos, and Fitbit are yet to adopt Material 3 Expressive, with updates expected later this year.

Why Isn’t Material 3 Expressive in the Stable Android 16?

Google’s choice to exclude Material 3 Expressive from the stable Android 16 release in June has raised questions. Allen Huang, Google’s Director of Product Management for Pixel and Android system UI, explained that the redesign needs further polish and will roll out to Pixel devices later this year via QPR updates. This beta allows Google to test the design in real-world conditions, ensuring stability before a wider release. Non-Pixel devices may not see these changes until Android 17, though some apps could adopt elements sooner.

Should You Try the Beta?

To experience Material 3 Expressive, enroll in the Android Beta Program at google.com/android/beta and opt in your eligible Pixel device. The update, around 574 MB for devices like the Pixel 9, arrives over-the-air. Be aware that installing QPR1 Beta 1 means skipping the stable Android 16 release in June. Opting out after installation will wipe your device, so opt out beforehand if you prefer the stable build. Ignore any “downgrade” OTA notifications (reverting to Android 15) until the stable Android 16 arrives.

Google considers QPR betas “suitable for general use,” but bugs are possible. Use the Android Beta Feedback app to report issues and join the Android Beta community on Reddit for support.

What’s Next for Material 3 Expressive?

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 is just the start. Google plans to fully launch Material 3 Expressive with the September Feature Drop, with further refinements in future QPR updates. Other manufacturers, like Samsung and Motorola, are expected to incorporate elements of the design this summer, blended with their custom skins. The Pixel Watch will also adopt Material 3 Expressive, bringing the redesign to Wear OS.

Beyond visuals, this beta includes under-the-hood improvements like new APIs for Adaptive Refresh Rate and better support for large-screen devices, signaling Google’s focus on a more intuitive and versatile Android experience.

Wrapping Up

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 offers a thrilling preview of Material 3 Expressive, a redesign that makes Android feel fresher and more dynamic. With its updated UI, spring-based animations, and vibrant aesthetics, this update sets a new standard for Google’s mobile platform. Pixel users in the Android Beta Program can dive in now, but be ready for potential beta quirks. Are you trying out Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1? Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more as Google refines this exciting redesign!