Google has officially rolled out the Android 16 QPR1 update for Pixel smartphones, and it's not just another routine patch. This release, part of the September Feature Drop, brings a big visual shake-up with the new Material 3 Expressive redesign alongside the latest September 2025 security patch. If you're a Pixel user, you'll notice plenty of polish, tweaks, and quality-of-life improvements that make your phone feel brand new.
A Revamped Lock Screen and Status Bar
One of the first things you'll see is a redesigned lock screen. The date, day of the week, and weather have been shifted around — now appearing either below or to the right of the bold, oversized clock. Google has also reworked the status bar icons. Wi-Fi and mobile signal indicators have swapped positions, and their refreshed design makes them easier to read at a glance.
Smarter Quick Settings and Controls
The quick settings panel now feels much more flexible. Tiles can be resized, and you can fit up to 16 on a single page, cutting down the need to swipe around. Bluetooth and mode toggles are also snappier, with swipe gestures letting you turn them on or off instantly.
Both the volume slider and brightness slider have been given a facelift. They look sleeker, use brighter colors, and feel more responsive. Notifications also behave differently: app icons now appear on the left, and when you dismiss one, the others subtly shift in response, adding a nice touch of fluidity.
Pixel Launcher Upgrades
The At a Glance block, which sits on your home screen, has been slimmed down to give space for an extra row of app icons. The search bar has been refreshed too, and there's now a new button to dive straight into Google's AI mode.
The Wallpaper & Style menu is where things get more fun. You can now pick from five shapes and color palettes, add weather effects like fog, rain, or snow, and even play with the font style and thickness of your lock screen clock. It's all about personalization, and this update gives you more tools to make your Pixel feel uniquely yours.
Who Gets the Update?
The Android 16 QPR1 update is rolling out to a wide range of devices, including:
Basically, if you've got a Pixel from the 6 series onward, you're in line for the upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Google's QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) updates often slip under the radar, but this one is a standout. With the Material 3 Expressive redesign, Pixel users are getting more than just a security patch — they're getting a refreshed, more intuitive experience that feels closer to Android's vision for the future.
If you own a Pixel, this is definitely an update worth installing. It doesn't just make your device more secure — it makes it more enjoyable to use every day.
