Ahead of the stable release in December, Google has started rolling out the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 update. The rollout is exclusive to Beta testers, and we expect more builds in the coming weeks. This will allow Google time to test new features coming to Android, like the custom app shapes.
There have been signs that Google will introduce the icon shape customization option. It was first spotted in the 2508 Android Canary release. While it’s currently exclusive to Beta testers, stable users will get the feature in December. Support has been added to Health Connect to track steps using your device sensors automatically. Of course, there are other features, optimizations, and bug fixes.
Details of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 update
Google has released a beta build with software version BP41.250822.010. It comes with the September 2025 security patch to enhance security. Eligible users, including Pixel 10 series phone owners, can download the update. Below is the complete changelog.
Testing developer verification: Android developer verification is a new requirement designed to link real-world entities (individuals and organizations) with their Android applications to make it harder for bad actors to spread harm.
SMS OTP Protection: The delivery of messages containing an SMS retriever hash will be delayed for most apps for three hours to help prevent OTP hijacking. Apps can continue to use the SMS retriever API to access messages intended for them in a timely manner.
Custom app icon shapes: Android 16 QPR2 allows users to select from a list of icon shapes that apply to all app icons and folder previews.
More efficient garbage collection: The Android Runtime (ART) now includes a Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact (CMC) Garbage Collector in Android 16 QPR2 that focuses collection efforts on newly allocated objects, which are more likely to be garbage. You can expect reduced CPU usage from garbage collection, a smoother user experience with less jank, and improved battery efficiency.
Automatic step tracking and expanded exercise data in Health Connect: Health Connect now automatically tracks steps using the device’s sensors, and the ExerciseSegment and ExerciseSession data types have been updated.
Google expects feedback from you to improve the build ahead of the stable release. You can use the Android Beta Feedback app available on your Pixel phone to submit problems. Additionally, the Android Beta community on Reddit can be used to file a bug.
via: Androidauthority
