Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, marking a significant milestone with platform stability and introducing several developer-focused features and performance improvements. This release represents a new approach to Android versioning and brings important security and functionality enhancements.
What is QPR (Quarterly Platform Release)?
Quarterly Platform Releases are minor updates that bring new features and improvements between major Android versions. Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is notable because it's the first Android release to include a minor SDK version, changing how developers check SDK compatibility.
Platform Stability Achieved
With Beta 2, Android 16 QPR2 has reached platform stability, meaning:
- Final APIs and SDK are now available
- System behaviors are finalized
- Developers can confidently test their apps against this release
- Most changes are additive, minimizing testing requirements
Major New Features for Developers
1. Developer Verification
Starting in September 2026, Android will require app verification on certified devices. This new security measure aims to protect users while maintaining flexibility for developers:
Key Points:
- Apps must be verified during installation on certified Android devices
- Developers can use ADB to install unverified apps during development and testing
- New APIs support developer verification during the installation process
- Gives developers a full year to prepare for the requirement
This change enhances security without impacting the development workflow, as sideloading for testing remains fully supported via ADB.
2. SMS OTP Protection
To combat OTP (One-Time Password) hijacking, Android 16 QPR2 introduces a smart delay mechanism:
How it Works:
- Messages containing SMS Retriever hash will be delayed by 3 hours
- Prevents malicious apps from intercepting time-sensitive OTPs
- Certain system apps are exempt (default SMS, assistant, and dialer apps)
This security feature protects users from sophisticated phishing attacks while maintaining functionality for legitimate use cases.
3. Custom App Icon Shapes
Users gain more personalization control with custom icon shapes:
- Apply different icon shapes (circle, squircle, rounded square, etc.) to all app icons
- Shapes automatically apply to folder previews
- System-wide consistency for better visual coherence
- No developer action required — works automatically
4. Performance Improvements with New Garbage Collector
Android 16 QPR2 introduces the Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact (CMC) Garbage Collector:
Benefits:
- Reduced CPU usage during garbage collection
- Improved battery efficiency
- Smoother app performance with fewer GC pauses
- Automatic optimization — no code changes needed
This is a significant under-the-hood improvement that benefits all Android apps without requiring any developer changes.
5. Health Connect Enhancements
For health and fitness apps, Health Connect receives powerful new capabilities:
New Features:
- Automatic step tracking using device sensors (no app needed)
- Expanded exercise data tracking:
- Weight/resistance information
- Set index for tracking workout sets
- Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) for intensity tracking
These additions enable more comprehensive fitness tracking and better integration with health ecosystems.
New SDK Versioning Model
Android 16 QPR2 introduces a minor SDK version, changing how developers check compatibility:
Previous Approach:
if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.ANDROID_16) {
// Android 16 features
}
New Approach:
if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT_FULL >= Build.VERSION_CODES.ANDROID_16_QPR2) {
// Android 16 QPR2 features
}
Use SDK_INT_FULL to check for minor platform releases and access QPR-specific features.
Testing Your Apps
Google recommends testing apps against Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 to ensure compatibility:
- Download the Beta 2 system image for Pixel devices
- Test core functionality to identify any breaking changes
- Test new features if your app uses Health Connect, SMS OTP, or icon customization
- Check SDK compatibility if you're using conditional feature detection
The good news: most changes are additive, meaning minimal testing is required for most apps.
Timeline and Availability
- Now: Beta 2 available with platform stability
- Coming Soon: Final release expected in Q4 2025
- September 2026: Developer Verification requirement takes effect
What This Means for Android Development
Android 16 QPR2 represents Google's commitment to:
- More frequent updates with meaningful improvements
- Enhanced security without hampering developer workflows
- Performance optimization that benefits all apps automatically
- User personalization with features like custom icon shapes
The minor SDK versioning model signals that developers can expect more granular platform updates, allowing Google to ship features faster while maintaining stability.
Get Started Today
If you're an Android developer:
- Install Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 on a test device
- Update Android Studio to the latest version
- Review the new APIs and features
- Start preparing for Developer Verification (you have until 2026!)
Read the Full Announcement
For complete technical details, API documentation, and system behavior changes, read the official announcement by Matthew McCullough (VP of Product Management, Android Developer) on the Android Developers Blog.
What features are you most excited about in Android 16 QPR2? Let us know on social media!
