Summary
- Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1, but the build is missing for the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
- Google does not even mention the phone in the list of eligible devices.
- Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1 is a minor release that focuses on fixing UI issues.
Google dropped the first Android 16 QPR1 beta in mid-May, bringing its new Material 3 Expressive design to compatible Pixel phones for the first time. Earlier today, Google dropped a minor Beta 1.1 build, addressing a boatload of bugfixes with its new Expressive redesign. Surprisingly, the QPR1 Beta 1.1 is available for all compatible Pixel phones except for the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
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After the new beta went live, Android Police tipster Moshe noticed the OTA not showing up for download on his Pixel 9 Pro XL. Even the factory and OTA images of the new build are missing from Google’s factory image website.
This does not appear to be an oversight on Google’s part, as several Pixel 9 Pro XL users on Reddit confirm not receiving the new beta. So, save yourself the trouble of repeatedly hitting the ‘Check for updates’ button in hopes of downloading the A1 build.
More importantly, Google does not list the Pixel 9 Pro XL in its list of eligible devices for Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1, which includes every other Pixel, starting from the Pixel 6 to the Pixel Tablet. So, this appears to be an intentional move by the company. It may have encountered some last-minute issues with the Pixel 9 Pro XL’s BP31.250502.008.A1 build, prompting it to delay the update.
For such a small update, which weighs only 6.5-8MB, Google must have hit a surprisingly big snag to take this step. If that’s the case, hopefully the company will roll out the A1 build for its flagship XL Pixel in the next day or two.
Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.1 focuses on squashing the Expressive bugs
Google’s official release notes for the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta highlight a focus on fixing UI-related issues. This includes a bug that caused the navigation buttons to become unresponsive in the app drawer or recents app screen. It also fixes a crash when opening the effects panel in wallpaper. If you are already running the latest QPR beta on your Pixel, make sure to grab the newest build for a more refined experience.
There’s still no official word on when Google will release the stable Android 16 update. Leaks pointed to a possible June 3 rollout, but that date has already come and gone.
Thanks: Moshe!