Maya Robertson
Google has released Android 16 QPR2, a quarterly platform update that introduces new APIs, interface options, and developer tools, marking the first time Android is shipping features through a minor SDK version rather than waiting for its annual major release cycle.
Android 16 QPR2 debuts the platform’s minor SDK system, allowing Google to add APIs and capabilities outside the yearly upgrade window. The approach focuses on additive changes rather than compatibility-shifting behavior, with exceptions primarily for security and accessibility. Developers can now detect minor SDK levels using new fields in the Build class, enabling more granular API targeting.
The update expands Android’s customization and accessibility options. A new “expanded dark theme” mode applies system-driven inversion to apps that lack dedicated dark themes, targeted toward users with low vision or photosensitivity. Apps using standard DayNight themes adjust automatically, while others may need explicit theme declarations to prevent unintended colors or contrast issues.
Users also gain control over icon shapes across the launcher, and the system can auto-generate themed icons by applying color filtering to apps that have not supplied their own monochrome asset.
Android’s Chooser interface now supports real-time updates from apps while the sharesheet is open, aimed at more flexible sharing workflows across media and productivity apps.
QPR2 expands Android’s Linux development environment with support for Linux GUI applications. The Android Runtime introduces a generational concurrent mark-compact garbage collector, designed to reduce CPU demands by focusing on newer objects.
Apps can also access new widget engagement metrics—including clicks, scroll interactions, and impressions—providing more insight into home-screen behavior. Early warning dialogs have been added for debuggable apps that are not compatible with future 16KB memory page requirements.
Support for the open-source Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF) standard is now available through software decoding. Bluetooth LE Audio enhancements include tighter integration for personal audio sharing directly through the system’s output switcher.
Health Connect gains automatic step tracking using device sensors, accessible to apps with the appropriate permissions, and expands support for exercise metrics such as weight, set index, and rate of perceived exertion.
A new data transfer API aims to improve migration reliability between Android and iOS, with third-party developers able to offer smoother onboarding flows for users switching platforms.
Android 16 QPR2 brings multiple security-focused adjustments. Apps can integrate with new developer verification APIs during installation, with added ADB commands available for testing scenarios.
SMS one-time password protection has been tightened: messages containing retriever hashes will be delayed by three hours for most apps, reducing the risk of OTP hijacking via broadcast interception or database queries.
A new system state, “Secure Lock Device,” provides remote lock-down capabilities that hide notifications, block quick shortcuts, and require a primary authentication method to unlock.
Pixel devices will receive the update shortly, and developers can use Android Emulator system images to begin testing. Those enrolled in the QPR2 Beta who do not transition to the QPR3 program can opt out to receive the stable release.
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