Google has released the Android 16 QPR2 update for supported Pixel devices. The rollout brings new features, performance improvements, and the December Android security patch.
The update introduces AI-based notification summaries that condense long messages and group chats directly in the notification shade. Alerts are now organized by priority, improving how notifications are displayed.
Google is also expanding UI customization options. Users can apply custom home-screen icon shapes, use improved themed icons and enable an Expanded Dark Mode that dims apps without native dark mode support.
A new low-light mode in the Screen Saver settings automatically dims the clock based on ambient lighting. Google has added an Enhanced HDR Brightness toggle under Display and Touch, allowing users to reduce HDR brightness intensity when needed.
Android 16 QPR2 updates parental controls within the Settings app. The section is now secured with a PIN and allows parents to set screen-time limits, schedule downtime, and manage app usage with timers and other tools.
The update adds an Expressive Options feature that provides real-time captions with emotion tags and ambient sound indicators on video messages, live streams, and social media stories. Gboard also receives new Emoji Kitchen sticker combinations.
Google is introducing a Call Reason feature in the Phone app, which will let callers tag calls as urgent to help recipients respond faster.
Users can now leave and report group chats with fewer steps. Circle to Search can scan text messages and chats for potential scams. Chrome receives Pinned Tabs, allowing users to keep specific tabs fixed for easier access.
The Android 16 QPR2 update is rolling out in phases to Pixel 6 and later devices.
