Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 Adds Icon Shapes, Health Connect Updates, and Developer Security

Google has officially rolled out Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, which will serve as the December Pixel Feature Drop, and it introduces one of the most notable visual upgrades for Pixel phones in years: customizable app icon shapes.

This latest beta release not only improves personalization but also tightens security and prepares the platform for final developer testing.

For users enrolled in the Android 16 QPR Beta Program, installation is straightforward: navigate to Settings > System > Software updates > System update. Alongside new features, the package also delivers the September 5, 2025 security patch, ensuring that supported devices remain protected against the latest vulnerabilities.

The update supports a wide spectrum of Pixel hardware, underscoring Google’s commitment to keeping both recent and slightly older models relevant. Compatible devices include Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and 6a; the Pixel 7 series (7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold); the Pixel 8 series (8, 8 Pro, 8a); the newly introduced Pixel 9 lineup (9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a); the Pixel 10 family (10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL); and the Pixel Tablet. Such broad support demonstrates how Google aims to unify the experience across its expanding device ecosystem.

The headline feature in this release is the introduction of Themed Icon Shapes. Found under Settings > Wallpaper & style > Icons, users can now experiment with five distinctive shapes: the traditional Circle (default), a clean Square, a quirky four-sided “cookie,” a seven-sided variant of the same theme, and a rounded Arch option. These shapes add a playful layer of personality and help Pixel owners tailor their home screens beyond mere wallpapers and widgets, bringing Android customization closer to desktop-grade theming flexibility.

In addition, Settings > Display & touch now adopts the Material 3 Expressive design language, giving the interface a fresh, modern look consistent with Google’s broader design strategy. Another key upgrade is to Health Connect, Google’s hub for syncing health and fitness data across apps. Until now, it primarily functioned as a data pipeline between services, but with Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, it can independently track step counts using the phone’s sensors, reducing reliance on third-party apps.

From a developer standpoint, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 marks Platform Stability. This milestone signals that the underlying APIs are finalized, and developers can confidently refine their apps, polish UI, and squash bugs without fear of disruptive changes. The build number is BP41.250822.010, and Google’s Release Notes also detail a significant new requirement: Android developer verification. This initiative aims to directly associate apps with verified individuals or organizations, drastically cutting down on the risks of malware, fraud, and impersonation by eliminating anonymity in app publishing.

Looking ahead, starting September 2026, Google will enforce regional policies requiring apps to be tied to verified developers for installation on certified Android devices. While power users and developers will still be able to sideload through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), mainstream users will benefit from stricter safeguards. The policy underscores Google’s effort to balance open development with security in an era where mobile devices store more sensitive personal and financial data than ever.

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is more than just a cosmetic refresh. It sets the stage for long-term improvements in both personalization and safety, ensuring Pixel owners get an operating system that feels modern, secure, and distinctly theirs.