Google released several software updates for Pixel devices in late April and May 2026, spanning both the Android 16 and Android 17 development tracks. The releases include security patches, beta previews, and bug-fix updates for a wide range of Pixel models from the Pixel 6 series through the Pixel 10 series.
Android 17 QPR1 Beta Program
Beta 1 Release
Google released Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 for Pixel devices on April 22, 2026, with build number CP31.260403.005.A1. This release is available for devices from the Pixel 6 series to the Pixel 10 series enrolled in the Android Beta Program.
Bug Fixes in Beta 1:
- Fixed a crash in the Default Print Service occurring during low ink conditions
- Resolved an Application Not Responding (ANR) error in the Terminal app
- Fixed distortion and phase cancellation in VoIP applications caused by uncontrollable hardware audio processing
- Addressed an issue where direct audio output failed to open for streams longer than five seconds on devices using the AIDL audio HAL
Beta 2 Release
Android 17 QPR1 Beta 2 was released two weeks after Beta 1, featuring build number CP31.260423.012.A1. This update includes the April 2026 security patch.
Bug Fixes in Beta 2:
- Terminal app now launches correctly instead of showing an error
- Lock screen date and weather no longer overlap the fingerprint sensor
- From a head unit, ending a third active call no longer disconnects an existing conference call participant incorrectly
- Mobile signal bars now display correctly when connectivity is active
- Custom themed app icons no longer appear enlarged on the homescreen after returning from an app
- Fixed a bug in the F2FS file system that could cause data corruption or instability
- Moving apps in the recent items screen no longer causes visual instability
- Navigation bar swipe gestures now switch between recent apps correctly
- Bluetooth tethering toggle no longer resets to off after device restart or Bluetooth cycles
Note: Google noted that this beta build may not offer normal system stability.
Android 16 QPR3 Updates
May 2026 Security Patch
Google released the May 2026 security patch (build number CP1A.260505.005) for Android 16 QPR3. The patch, dated 2026-05-01, resolves one security issue and is available for the following devices: Pixel 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold, and 10a.
Changelog for May 2026 Patch:
Battery & Charging:
- Fix for slow wireless charging speeds when the battery level is between 75% and 80% in certain conditions
Camera:
- Fix for an issue where the camera app could freeze while recording video and adjusting the zoom level (device: Pixel 10)
Display & Graphics:
- Fix for an issue that caused a persistent flickering white dot or visual noise at the top of the display in certain conditions (devices: Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL)
- Fix for an issue that could intermittently cause the screen to appear fuzzy, frozen, or display noise lines (devices: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL)
Framework:
- Fix for an issue where the keyboard or input screen could appear frozen or incorrectly positioned in some apps
Bootloader Update for Pixel 10 Devices
The May 2026 update for Pixel 10 series devices includes a bootloader update that increments the anti-rollback version. After installation, these devices cannot be reverted to older Android 16 builds or bootloaders. Google advised developers to flash the bootloader partition to the inactive slot after the first successful boot to avoid issues.
Similar anti-rollback measures were implemented for Pixel 6 and Pixel 8 series devices with the May 2025 update.
QPR3 Beta 2 Release
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2 was released, focusing on stability, performance, and usability improvements.
Key Fixes in QPR3 Beta 2:
- Resolved critical system crashes and device freezes
- Corrected issues where devices ignored charging limits and experienced excessive overnight battery drain
- Improved Wi-Fi speeds and addressed missed calls
- Fixed UI glitches in the notification shade and app drawer
- Corrected unresponsive app drawer scrolling
- Addressed incorrect logging of extensive screen time in Android Auto
- Resolved graphical glitches and performance degradation in the notification shade
- Fixed screen flickering when waking from Always-On Display
- Improved audio routing logic to resolve delays in switching to speakerphone during calls
- Fixed startup crashes for certain applications, including Microsoft Intune apps
- Improved the power management system to resolve inconsistent wireless charging and slow wired charging
- Addressed system crashes occurring when folding a device with an app open
QPR3 Beta 2.1 Release
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 was released approximately four weeks after the previous release. Build numbers are CP11.251209.009 (Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro) and CP11.251209.009.A1 (all remaining devices). This update includes the January 2026 security patch. Google's release notes did not specify the fixes included in this patch. The OTA update size was 123 MB for a Pixel 9a and 98.39 MB for the Pixel 10.
Android 17 Beta 1 Release
Android 17 Beta 1 was released with build number CP21.260116.011, after a two-day delay. OTA images are available for this release. This Beta followed the introduction of the Android Canary channel in June, which replaced Developer Previews.
Key Features and Changes in Android 17 Beta 1:
- Android 17 focuses on adaptive applications, enabling them to utilize the full width of large screen devices without letterboxing
- The developer opt-out previously available for applications targeting API level 37 has been removed, with games being an exception
- Performance improvements include reduced missed frames, lower garbage collection CPU costs, more aggressive optimizations, and decreased notification memory usage
- Professional-grade media and camera tools intended to create seamless transitions between camera use cases and modes
- A new loudness management API to provide a consistent listening experience across different applications and hardware
Supported Devices:
Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a, Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and the Android Emulator.
Important: Users currently enrolled in the 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 program must exit it before installing 17 Beta 1 to avoid a data wipe when returning to a stable version. The next opportunity to return to stable without a wipe will be in June.
Release Timeline:
- Platform Stability for Android 17 is projected for March, with the final release expected in June
- This is the major SDK release for the year
- Subsequent minor SDK releases are planned for 26Q3 (17 QPR1), 26Q4 (17 QPR2), and 27Q1 (17 QPR3)
- The stable Android 17 QPR1 is expected later in 2026, possibly around the Pixel 11 launch (August or September)