Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2: What’s New in Google’s Latest Pixel Update


Google is moving closer to the stable Android 16 QPR2 release, scheduled for December. The second beta (QPR2 Beta 2) has now rolled out to supported Pixel devices, bringing refinements, improved security, and a few exciting features. While not as packed as QPR2 Beta 1, this update still makes waves for Pixel users who enjoy testing new functionality before the stable release.

Icon Shape Customization

One of the standout features in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is the ability to change app icon shapes. Within the Wallpaper & Style settings, users can now choose between five shapes: circle (default), square, four-sided cookie, seven-sided cookie, and arch.

This customization was previously seen in Canary builds, but QPR2 Beta 2 officially brings it closer to all Pixel owners. Expect this feature in the stable December rollout.

Step Tracking in Health Connect

Health Connect, originally launched to unify health and fitness data, now expands its role by directly tracking steps using your Pixel.

When you open Health Connect after installing Beta 2, a new banner confirms that step data collected by your phone will be stored and shared securely with connected apps. This means you can monitor your activity without depending entirely on third-party health trackers.

Other Notable Improvements

Developer Verification Tools

With stricter app installation checks on the horizon, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 introduces APIs and ADB commands for developers to simulate and test verification outcomes. This ensures smoother compliance ahead of Android’s 2026 rollout of mandatory developer verification.

SMS OTP Protection

To safeguard against malicious apps stealing verification codes, Android now blocks SMS broadcast data for three hours after receiving OTPs with retriever hashes. This move adds a critical layer of security for banking and login flows.

Smarter Garbage Collection

The new Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact Garbage Collector reduces CPU strain by focusing on recently allocated memory blocks. The result: less lag, smoother animations, and improved battery life.

Expanded Health Data

Health Connect now supports recording of weight, set indexes, and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), giving fitness enthusiasts more detailed tracking for workouts.

While Android 16 QPR2 improves native features, not every need is addressed by Google’s ecosystem. This is where third-party apps like Smart Transfer shine.

Smart Transfer allows effortless content transfer between phones, ensuring your photos, videos, contacts, and files move with you when upgrading devices. Unlike Google’s built-in tools, Smart Transfer also offers phone replicate functionality to clone your old device’s data to a new one seamlessly.

Although it doesn’t support offline transfer, Smart Transfer leverages Wi-Fi for fast and secure migration—making it a reliable solution for users switching across platforms, whether Android-to-Android or iPhone-to-Android. For anyone testing new betas or upgrading devices, it ensures peace of mind that no important data gets left behind.

Final Thoughts

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 might not be as feature-heavy as its predecessor, but it strengthens Pixel devices with customization, better health tracking, tighter security, and performance improvements. The stable release in December should deliver a smoother experience for everyone.

And for those who frequently change or test devices, pairing Android’s evolution with apps like Smart Transfer ensures that content transfer and phone replicate are never a hassle.


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