Supported Devices and Availability for Beta 1.1 Patch: Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, and More

Google is rolling out an Android 16 Beta 1.1 update to address critical NFC-related issues on supported Pixel devices, with the patch specifically targeting stability errors that have affected contactless payment and data transfer functionality.

The update, identified as Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1, follows the initial release at Google I/O 2025 and is being distributed as an over-the-air (OTA) update to enrolled devices in the Android Beta for Pixel program. According to 9to5Google, the patch resolves multiple system-level bugs, including a crash when attempting to open effects in wallpaper and an issue where the settings app would close unexpectedly after accessing the battery menu.

The Beta 1.1 update is available for a defined range of Pixel smartphones and tablets, including the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 9a. The on-device OTA size for the Pixel 9 is approximately 7.28 MB, featuring a wavy progress indicator during installation.

In addition to NFC-specific fixes, the update addresses several user interface and system stability concerns. These include unresponsive navigation buttons in the app drawer or task switcher, a media player progress bar on the lock screen that fails to reflect playback position, and a lock screen date that may be cut off when using wide clock styles. The patch also corrects visual inconsistencies such as differently colored search buttons during scrolling and missing approve buttons in Device Admin settings.

Further improvements include resolving dark mode readability issues in the photo picker, where dark album labels previously reduced contrast, and fixing a fingerprint authentication failure that occurred on multi-user devices under low-power conditions. Google confirmed that the update includes the May 2025 security patch level (BP31.250502.008.A1) for all supported devices.

The Android Beta for Pixel program allows users to access pre-release versions of the operating system to test new features and provide feedback. Participants are advised that beta builds may contain defects affecting normal device operation, and reverting to a stable public version requires a full data wipe. Eligible devices must be signed in with a Google account as the primary user to appear in the program’s device list.

As of the December 2025 security patch cycle, Google has continued releasing incremental QPR updates, with Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.1 later addressing a separate issue causing app crashes on startup. However, the Beta 1.1 patch referenced in the initial alert remains focused on resolving the NFC and system stability errors identified in the Android 16 beta cycle following I/O 2025.