Google releases final Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 before December launch

Google Pixel 10 Pro (Image Source: Google's Blog)

The December countdown is officially on for Pixel owners. Google has released the third and final beta of Android 16 QPR2, signaling that the next major feature drop is polished and ready. This last testing phase for the Pixel 6 and newer models means the stable update—packed with new capabilities—is just weeks away from landing on your device.

Jean Leon, Published 10/15/2025

The calendar is flipping, and for Pixel owners, that means one thing: a new batch of features is almost here. Google just released the third and final beta version of Android 16 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release 2) for eligible Pixel phones, marking the last testing milestone before the stable update lands on devices this December.

This beta, often referred to as the last piece of the "Pixel Drop" puzzle for this cycle, is available now for anyone with a Pixel 6 or a newer model, including the latest Pixel 10. While the stable version of Android 16 has been running smoothly since the summer, these quarterly releases are where Google rolls out the fun stuff—new features, subtle tweaks, and performance boosts designed specifically for Pixel hardware.

Google Pixel's Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 is Here—Stable Update in December

When developers talk about a final beta, it's a signal that the update is essentially feature-complete. Google is no longer adding big new components. Instead, they are focusing entirely on polish and bug extermination.

Testers installing this specific build (BP41.250916.009.A1) will get a very close (or identical) experience to the stable release in the coming weeks.

For those eager to get their hands on the latest code, the process is straightforward: simply enroll your compatible device in the official Android Beta program, and the over-the-air (OTA) update should appear shortly.

However, there's a warning for those who want to enroll. Installing this QPR2 build means you are locked in. If you decide the beta life is not for you—perhaps an annoying bug pops up or an app stops working correctly—you cannot jump back to the current stable version without completely wiping your phone's data.

The good news is that the wait for freedom is short. Reports indicate the stable QPR2 release is scheduled for early December, likely landing around December 2, 2025.