Android 16 QPR3 — Google’s next big Pixel update — is right around the corner. QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) updates have become significant milestones for Pixel phones, as they typically include many user-facing changes, particularly compared to smaller monthly security updates.
Google is expected to release its QPR3 update in March, meaning we’re just a month away from your Pixel getting a big revamp. But what exactly is new? What are the biggest features and changes you should be on the lookout for? I’ve been using the latest Android 16 QPR3 beta to find out.
Here are six of the most notable new features coming to your Pixel next month with Android 16 QPR3.
What Android 16 QPR3 feature are you most excited about? 86 votes Removable At a Glance widget 47 % Flashlight brightness 12 % Samsung-like navigation buttons 14 % New Adaptive Connectivity controls 8 % Redesigned System page 16 % App location access info 3 %
Remove the At a Glance home screen widget
The QPR3 feature I’m personally most excited about, and one I think a lot of Pixel users will be thankful for, is the ability to remove the At a Glance widget from your home screen. This is the widget at the top of your first home screen page that shows the date, weather, upcoming calendar appointments, and other info.
At a Glance is helpful, but it’s also rather annoying — especially if you have a lot of app icons and widgets on that home screen. As such, having the option to finally get rid of At a Glance is fantastic. You can do this by pressing and holding the widget, tapping Settings, then selecting the new toggle labeled “Show on home screen.”
You’ll still see At a Glance on the lock screen, but that space at the top of your home screen will now be available for use however you wish. Thank you, Google.
Adjustable flashlight brightness
There’s not much I prefer about iOS over Android, but one thing Apple got right with iOS 18 was adjustable flashlight levels. Being able to adjust the brightness of your phone’s flashlight is super useful, and with Android 16 QPR3, your Pixel phone is gaining that same flexibility.
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