Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2: Pixel Rollout
- Here's a summary of the key updates in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, based on the provided text:
- * Custom App Icon Shapes: Users can now choose from five app icon shapes (circle plus four new options).
- * More Efficient Garbage Collection: A new garbage collection method (Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact) aims to reduce CPU usage, improve app smoothness, and lower power consumption.
Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2: Key Updates & Developer Verification
Here’s a summary of the key updates in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, based on the provided text:
User-Facing Changes:
* Custom App Icon Shapes: Users can now choose from five app icon shapes (circle plus four new options). This complements the existing dark theme and auto-themed icon features.
* Health Connect: Support for step tracking has been added to Health Connect.
Under-the-Hood Improvements:
* More Efficient Garbage Collection: A new garbage collection method (Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact) aims to reduce CPU usage, improve app smoothness, and lower power consumption.
Developer Focused Changes & Critically important Notes:
* developer Verification: A new requirement will link developers to their apps to combat malicious activity.
* Starting September 2026 (in specific regions), apps will need to be registered by verified developers to be installed on certified Android devices (ADB installs are exempt).
* New APIs are available in Android 16 QPR2 beta 2 to support developer verification during installation, along with an ADB command for testing.
* SMS Retriever Security: Delivery of SMS messages containing an SMS retriever hash will be delayed by three hours for most apps to help prevent OTP hijacking. Legitimate apps will still have timely access.
* Icon Shape Selection: The update allows users to select a list of icon shapes for all apps and folder previews.
Source: The facts is based on Google’s release notes for android 16 QPR2 Beta 2,as reported by Android Police. The article also mentions a Pixel 10 Pro XL.