Summary
Android 16 Beta 2.1 is here, and it’s bringing some much-needed stability to Pixel devices. If you’ve been dealing with unexpected reboots or choppy animations, this update should address those issues.
Android 16 Features
Android 16 Beta 2 previously started rolling out on February 13th. Google labeled it an “Incremental Beta-quality release,” which means it’s more refined but still a work in progress. If you’re into mobile photography, there’s plenty to like. The update brings improvements for pro camera users, including hybrid auto-exposure, finer control over color temperature and tint, and easier motion photo capture. Plus, you can now save UltraHDR images in the HEIC format.
Your TV experience is also getting a boost in Android 16, with new standardized APIs for accessing audio and picture profiles, as well as hardware settings. There are also smaller but useful tweaks, like the ability to customize your measurement system according to regional preferences.
For developers, creating live wallpapers is now easier, and resource-intensive apps can get estimates of available CPU and GPU resources. This should lead to smoother and more efficient apps in the future.
How to Get the Update
TheAndroid 16 Beta 2.1 update(BP22.250124.010) includes the February 2025 security patch. It’s rolling out now for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The OTA is a relatively small 11.60 MB on the Pixel 9, so it shouldn’t take long to download and install. Make sure you’reenrolled in the Android Beta programif you’re interested in getting these updates. Just head to your phone’s settings, tap “System,” then “System update,” and check for updates. While the beta releases are generally more stable than the Developer Previews, we still don’t recommend using them on your daily driver phone.
