Xiaomi Unveils Massive Android 16-Based HyperOS 3 Rollout Schedule.

Xiaomi has officially revealed a comprehensive and aggressive rollout plan for its Android 16-based user interface, HyperOS 3. The company's new software skin is set to begin hitting devices globally as early as October, prioritizing its latest flagship and T-series models before expanding to dozens of other devices in 2026.

This update represents a major move for Xiaomi, bringing a complete redesign and a host of new Artificial Intelligence (AI) features while running on the latest Android 16 foundation.

Rollout Starts with Flagships and T-Series.

The initial deployment of HyperOS 3 is scheduled for October/November 2025, focusing on the newest and most powerful devices in Xiaomi’s and POCO’s lineups.

The first devices slated to receive the OTA update include the recently launched Xiaomi 15T Pro, Xiaomi 15T, Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and the base Xiaomi 15 model. The rollout will also immediately target popular mid-range flagships like the POCO F7 series and the Redmi Note 14 Pro models.

AI and UI Upgrades are Key Features.

Beyond the jump to Android 16, HyperOS 3 introduces several headline features. The most visually striking is "HyperIsland," Xiaomi's version of a dynamic notification area that provides real-time information and live activity tracking.

The update also heavily leverages HyperAI, a suite of AI tools that includes smart screen recognition, AI writing assistance with tone modification, and enhanced voice transcription capabilities. Furthermore, users will see new visual customizations, including AI Dynamic Wallpapers and an updated home screen design.

The Schedule Extends into 2026.

The second phase of the rollout, scheduled for November/December 2025, will bring the update to the premium Xiaomi 14 series (including the Ultra and Pro models), alongside the popular POCO F6 and X6 series.

📣 Rollout plan for #XiaomiHyperOS3 begins this October!
The new version will gradually be introduced across our ecosystem, with Xiaomi 15T Series users being the very first to experience it.
Stay tuned for more updates on the release schedule.#ReleaseSchedule #Rolloutplan pic.twitter.com/5HawewYUDq

— Xiaomi HyperOS (@XiaomiHyperOS_) September 24, 2025

Finally, the broad final phase, spanning December 2025 through March 2026, will cover older flagships like the Xiaomi 13 series, as well as a large number of Redmi Note 13 series devices and various Xiaomi and Redmi tablets. This long-term schedule is a strong commitment to providing the latest software across a wide-ranging portfolio.

Qualcomm and Google Join Forces to Bring a Full Android Experience to PCs.

In a significant move that could blur the lines between mobile and desktop computing, Google and Qualcomm are officially collaborating on a project to bring a full, uncompromised version of Android to PCs. The announcement, made at Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit, signals a major push to create a new category of devices powered by a unified operating system foundation.

For years, Android's presence on desktops has been limited to emulators and half-baked third-party solutions. Now, Google's Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, Rick Osterloh, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon have confirmed that they are building a "common technical foundation" that will leverage the best of both Android and ChromeOS.

A New Vision for a Unified Platform.

This initiative builds upon Google's prior announcement to merge the core of ChromeOS with Android, but with a critical difference: the platform will be designed from the ground up to support a desktop form factor. This means native support for mouse and keyboard input, large screens, and a multitasking experience that mirrors traditional PC use, while still retaining the vast Android app ecosystem.

During the summit, Amon expressed his excitement, stating he had seen the project and called it "incredible." He believes it "delivers on the vision of convergence in mobile and PC." This is a strong vote of confidence, especially considering the project is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's high-performance Snapdragon X series chipsets, including the Snapdragon X Elite.

The Race to AI-Powered PCs.

This new Android desktop venture is perfectly timed to ride the wave of AI PCs. The new platform will be deeply integrated with Google's Gemini models and its full AI stack, allowing for on-device, generative AI features that run with incredible speed and efficiency. This could give Qualcomm and Google a compelling competitive edge against traditional x86 laptops, which are still playing catch-up in the on-device AI space.

While the concept of Android on a PC isn't new, this official collaboration between two tech giants changes everything. The project's success will hinge on performance, developer support, and the ability to convince users that a full-featured Android PC can truly replace a traditional Windows or macOS machine. With no official timeline announced, the tech world will be watching closely to see if this new venture can succeed where others have failed.

Unveiling Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2: A Deep Dive into What's New and What's Next.

The latest iteration of Android, specifically Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2, has just dropped, bringing with it a fascinating array of new features and under-the-hood enhancements. While quarterly platform releases (QPRs) often focus on stability and minor tweaks, this beta release is particularly rich, offering a glimpse into Google's strategic direction for security, privacy, user customization, and developer tools.

From robust new protections for sensitive data to a deeper integration with health and fitness, and even more expressive personalization options, this update touches on nearly every facet of the Android experience. 

Join us as we explore each significant change in detail, dissecting what these updates mean for users, developers, and the future of the Android ecosystem.

1. Testing developer verification.

Based on the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 release information, developer verification is a new security requirement designed to make the Android ecosystem safer for users. It's a key part of Google's effort to combat the spread of malware and scams from malicious apps.

Starting in September 2026, Android will begin requiring that apps be registered by verified developers to be installed on certified Android devices in certain regions. This change links real-world individuals and organizations to their applications, making it more difficult for "bad actors" to operate anonymously and repeatedly.

For developers, this beta release includes new APIs that support the verification process during app installation. It also introduces a new adb command that allows developers to simulate successful and unsuccessful verification outcomes for testing purposes. This gives them the tools to prepare for the upcoming enforcement of this security measure, ensuring a smooth transition for their apps.

2. SMS OTP Protection.

A new layer of security is being added to the Android ecosystem to protect users from a common threat. The latest beta introduces a powerful SMS OTP Protection feature, which is designed to combat the hijacking of one-time passwords by malicious apps.

This new security measure works by strategically delaying the delivery of certain SMS messages that contain an OTP. For most apps, the message will be held back for up to three hours. This deliberate hold makes it virtually impossible for malware to intercept and use the OTP in real time, giving you a crucial window to spot and stop suspicious activity.

Crucially, this protection is designed not to disrupt your daily usage. Core system apps like your default SMS app, phone dialer, and Google Assistant are exempt from the delay. Similarly, apps that use Google’s official SMS Retriever API will continue to receive OTPs instantly, maintaining a seamless and secure experience for services that are built to be compliant.

3. New App Icon Shapes Arrive in Beta.

Beyond its security and privacy updates, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is also empowering users with a new level of home screen customization. The latest beta introduces native support for custom app icon shapes, a highly anticipated feature that allows users to overhaul the look of their app icons without the need for a third-party launcher.

This new tool, found under Settings > Wallpaper & style > Icons, gives users five different shapes to choose from: the classic Circle and Square, as well as more unique shapes like a "cookie" and an arch. The selected shape is applied universally to all app icons and even folder previews, creating a cohesive and visually refreshed home screen experience.

This addition aligns with Google's ongoing effort to make Android more customizable and personal. By giving users more control over their device's aesthetics, Google is not only improving the user experience but also bringing a feature that has long been available on other platforms directly into the core Android OS.

4. The New Era of Garbage Collection.

Among the most significant under-the-hood improvements in the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 is a complete overhaul of the Android Runtime (ART) garbage collector. This update brings a Generational Concurrent Mark-Compact (CMC) Garbage Collector to the platform, a technical change that translates directly into a more fluid and efficient user experience.

Previously, garbage collection could cause noticeable stutters or "jank" as the system paused to clean up unused data. This new approach is much smarter. It works in the background and focuses its efforts on newly allocated objects, which are more likely to be discarded anyway. This reduces the workload on the phone's CPU, minimizing interruptions and making the entire interface, from scrolling through apps to navigating the home screen, feel smoother and more responsive. The result is not just a better feel, but also improved battery efficiency, as the processor spends less energy on maintenance.

This change is a prime example of how Google is focusing on foundational performance. By making the core of the operating system more intelligent and efficient, they are paving the way for a faster, more reliable Android experience for everyone, regardless of the app they are using.

5. Health and Fitness Just Got Smarter with Health Connect.

In a move that could transform how Android users manage their health, the latest beta introduces a significant upgrade to Health Connect. Previously, the platform acted as a simple data hub, relying on third-party apps and wearables to provide information. Now, Health Connect is evolving into a proactive fitness tool with native step tracking.

This means your Android phone can now automatically count your steps using its built-in sensors, eliminating the need to download a separate step-counting app. This data is then made available to any app with the appropriate permissions, creating a more cohesive and accurate fitness experience. In addition, the update expands the data types for exercises, allowing apps to record more detailed metrics such as weight, set index, and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) during a workout.

By building these foundational features directly into the OS, Google is making fitness tracking more accessible and efficient for everyone. It simplifies the user experience, reduces battery drain, and provides developers with a reliable, system-level source of data to build more powerful and insightful health apps.

More Than Just Features: The Under-the-Hood Innovations.

While the user-facing features of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 are significant, the update also brings a host of critical, yet less visible, changes that pave the way for a more innovative and consistent Android platform. One of the most important of these is the introduction of a minor SDK version. This is a major change for developers, as it allows Google to roll out new APIs and capabilities more rapidly throughout the year, without being tied to a major annual platform release.

Beyond the SDK version bump, the beta is packed with other refinements that promise a better user experience. Developers can now take advantage of a new Expanded Dark Theme option, which intelligently inverts the UI of apps that lack native dark theme support, providing a consistent look system-wide.

The update also includes a new PDF document editing API, which significantly expands the platform's native support for annotating and editing PDF files. For developers, this means the foundation is in place to build more powerful and integrated PDF experiences directly into their apps. Finally, a Display Topology API is being introduced to support advanced multi-display setups, giving apps the information they need to create fluid, multi-screen experiences on devices like foldables and tablets.

Android 16 Update Turns Your App Icons into Cookies.

Google is taking a significant step in Android's design evolution with the rollout of the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 2 update for Pixel devices. This latest beta introduces a highly anticipated feature that gives users more control over their home screen: enhanced app icon customization. The new functionality allows Pixel owners to change the shape of their app icons and folder previews, moving beyond the traditional circular design.

A Deeper Dive into Icon Shapes.

Previously, Android offered a limited ability to apply themes and colors to icons. This update expands that customization by adding several new icon shapes, which users can apply system-wide. The update's settings menu, found under Settings > Wallpaper and Home Screen > Icons, now includes five distinct options:

• Circle (the default)
• Square
• Four-sided "cookie"
• Seven-sided "cookie"
• Arch

This addition marks a new focus on personal expression within the Android interface. While third-party launchers have long offered similar customization, this is the first time Google has integrated such a feature directly into the core Android experience for Pixel devices. It shows a growing commitment to giving users the tools to create a home screen that truly reflects their personal style.

The new feature is seamlessly integrated with the existing auto-themed icons, which adapt to the user's wallpaper. Now, the icons not only change color to match the theme but also conform to the selected shape, creating a cohesive and visually appealing home screen. The update is part of the Android 16 QPR2 release, which is expected to have a stable rollout in December.

Also Read: 

• Android 16 QPR1 Rolls Out to Pixel Devices with 'No Data Wipe' Option.
• Google to Require Developer Verification for All Android Apps to Combat Malware.

Android 16 to Force Themed Icons on All Apps, Bypassing Developers.

Google is making a major push for a more consistent and cohesive visual experience on Android, and this time, there's no way for app developers to opt out. The upcoming Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 and a new legal requirement in the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) will ensure that all app icons can be automatically themed to match a user’s wallpaper and system colors.

For years, Google has encouraged developers to provide their own themed icon assets for the Material You design system, but a large number of apps have never adopted the feature. This led to a fragmented home screen experience where some icons would match the theme while others remained their original color, creating a jarring look.

Now, Google is taking matters into its own hands. The Android 16 update will use a new color-filtering algorithm to automatically generate a monochromatic version of any app icon that doesn't already have a themed variant. This ensures every icon on the home screen can seamlessly integrate with the user's chosen theme.

Credit: Android Authority

A Legal Mandate for Visual Consistency.

To back up this technical change, Google has updated its binding legal contract with all developers on the Play Store. The revised clause in the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) now explicitly states:

"You grant to the user a nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to perform, modify color of, or add themes to, your Product icons, display (including with the color and theme modifications), and use the Product."

This legal change, which went into effect immediately for new developer accounts and takes effect on October 15, 2025, for existing ones, gives Google the authority to alter an app's icon presentation without the developer's consent, ensuring a uniform look across the Android ecosystem.

For users, this means that enabling the themed icons feature will finally result in a consistent home screen, regardless of whether a developer has provided the necessary assets. For developers, it marks a significant shift in Google's design policy, prioritizing system-wide consistency over individual branding.

Android 16 QPR1 Rolls Out to Pixel Devices with 'No Data Wipe' Option.

Google has begun rolling out the Android 16 QPR1 update, bringing a convenient new feature to Pixel users in the Android Beta Program. This update, which is a "No Data Wipe" over-the-air (OTA) update, allows beta testers to exit the program without having to factory reset their devices and lose all their personal data.

What This Means for Beta Testers.

Previously, users who wanted to leave the Android Beta Program after testing a feature release were required to wipe their device, which could be a significant hassle. The new "No Data Wipe" update for QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1) provides a smooth and data-preserving transition. The update is less than 100 MB and also includes the September 2025 security patch.

Users can check for the update by navigating to Settings > System > Software updates > System updates. They should look for an update titled "Android Beta Exit No Data Wipe."

While the update has been spotted on some devices like the Pixel Tablet, it appears that Google is rolling it out in phases, and it may not be immediately available on all eligible devices, such as the Pixel 8a or 9a. This update is a welcome change for testers, making it much easier to transition from beta to the stable Android build.

Following the Beta 3.1 update, users who chose not to test the QPR2 Beta 1 were able to opt their devices out of the program. google.com/android/beta#devices

Google Revives 'Androidify' with AI, Turning Selfies into Bots.

Google has relaunched its popular 'Androidify' tool, this time with powerful artificial intelligence at its core. The new app, available on the web and as a standalone Android app, allows users to transform a selfie or a text prompt into a personalized Android bot.

How It Works: The Magic Behind the Scenes.

The new Androidify app is a showcase for Google's latest AI models. When you upload a photo, it first uses Gemini 2.5 Flash to analyze the image, generating a detailed caption that describes your appearance, clothing, and accessories. This detailed description is then fed to a fine-tuned version of Imagen 3, which creates a unique Android bot that reflects your style.

Alternatively, you can skip the selfie and simply enter a text prompt to design your bot from scratch. This gives you complete creative freedom to create a custom character.

The app also serves as a demonstration for developers, highlighting how to use modern Android development practices and libraries such as Material 3 Expressive components and the ML Kit Pose Detection API.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Android Bot.

Creating your own Android bot is a simple and fun process. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the App or Website: Download the Androidify app from the Google Play Store or visit the official Androidify website.
2. Start Creating: Upload a selfie or enter a text prompt to describe your desired bot.
3. Generate Your Bot: The app will use AI to generate your unique Android bot based on your input.
4. Customize and Share: Once your bot is created, you can personalize it by selecting from various formats (e.g., 1:1, Wallpaper, Banner), and backgrounds.
5. Animate Your Bot (Fridays Only): On Fridays in September, a limited number of users can animate their Android bot into an 8-second video using Veo 3, Google's video generation model.

You can then share your custom Android bot on social media using the hashtag #Androidify.

What Makes Androidify Stand Out?

The new Androidify experience is infinitely personal, letting you transform yourself into an Android bot in countless ways. Whether you upload a selfie or craft a fun, imaginative prompt, the AI ensures your creation feels unique and deeply customizable.

At the same time, the app is creative and fun, designed to be playful and expressive. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, showing off on social media, or simply giving your digital identity a fresh look.

For developers, Androidify is more than just a toy; it’s developer-friendly. The app has been built using the latest Android design frameworks and tools, offering a practical showcase of how modern Android UI and AI integration come together seamlessly.

And to top it off, Androidify adds a daily surprise factor. With weekly animation features powered by AI, users can see their avatars come alive, keeping the experience engaging and exciting every time they return.

Google Phone New "Wide Calling Card" Feature Arrives with Android 16 QPR1.

Google is rolling out a new "Calling Card" feature for its Phone app, allowing users to personalize their incoming call screen with a wide, full-screen image for specific contacts. The update, arriving in version 188 of the Google Phone app, is being launched alongside the Pixel 10 and in preparation for the Android 16 QPR1 release.

This new customization option is similar to a feature found on other platforms, but with a key difference: the personalized image and name are visible only to the user and do not affect how they appear to others. This gives users a new level of control over their personal calling experience.

How the Calling Card Feature Works.

Users will be greeted by a promotional banner at the top of the app’s Home tab, which introduces the "calling card" feature. From there, the customization process is straightforward:

• Image Selection: Users can choose an image from their device's gallery, take a new photo, or select one from their Google Photos library.
• Cropping and Framing: Once an image is chosen, it can be cropped and framed to fit the wide, full-screen format.
• Name Customization: The contact's name can also be customized with various font styles and colors.

Once set, the chosen image will appear as a full-screen background whenever that specific contact calls. This update is a move by Google to enhance the visual experience of the core calling function, making it more personal and engaging.

The Bigger Picture.

This update is part of a broader trend in which companies are adding more personalization and customization features to their core apps. For Google, this feature not only improves the user experience but also deepens the integration of Google Photos within the Android ecosystem.

The launch of this feature with the Pixel 10 and Android 16 QPR1 suggests that Google is continuing to refine and enhance the user interface across its devices, focusing on both aesthetic appeal and user-centric functionality.

Google to Require Developer Verification for All Android Apps to Combat Malware.

In a significant move to enhance user safety and combat the rise of malware and financial scams, Google has announced a new policy that will require all Android apps to come from a verified developer. This mandate, which is set to be implemented in stages starting in 2026, will extend beyond the Google Play Store to include apps installed via third-party stores and even sideloading.

This new requirement applies to certified Android devices that are preloaded with Google Play Protect. The goal is to make it significantly more difficult for malicious actors to anonymously distribute harmful apps. Google compares this process to an ID check at an airport: it confirms the developer's identity without reviewing the app's content or its source. This will help prevent the spread of "convincing fake apps" that often mimic legitimate services to trick users.

Initial developer access to the verification process will begin in October of this year, with the program opening to all developers in March 2026. The requirement will first go into effect for users in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand in September 2026, as these countries have been particularly impacted by fraudulent app scams. A global rollout will follow in 2027.

Developers who distribute their apps outside of the Play Store will be able to use a new Android Developer Console to complete the verification process, ensuring they can continue to offer their apps directly to users while meeting the new security standards.

Everything New in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 (build BP31.250610.004) has landed, and it's shaping up to be the final polishing step before the stable release expected in September. If you're enrolled in the QPR1 beta on compatible Pixel devices, you’re getting a refined experience with essential bug fixes, minor UI upgrades, and two standout features designed for accessibility and productivity. Let’s explore what's new.

Android's Quarterly Platform Releases (QPR) deliver regular, bug-focused improvements to the OS without introducing major new APIs ideal for stability and polish. Beta 3 marks the last preview of QPR1, heavily focused on enhancing reliability before the stable rollout.

Key Features & UI Enhancements.

Keyboard Magnifier in Accessibility

One of the most meaningful additions in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 is the Keyboard Magnifier, specifically designed for users with low vision. Found under Settings → Accessibility → Magnification, this new toggle allows users to magnify just the keyboard when it's active, without zooming the entire screen.

This seemingly small change has huge implications for accessibility. Previously, magnifying a screen meant zooming in on all UI elements, which could be disorienting and slow. With the Keyboard Magnifier, the rest of the screen remains static while just the keyboard is enlarged, letting users comfortably type messages, search queries, or login credentials with less visual strain.

Desktop Mode Shortcut Enhancements.

For users experimenting with Android’s Desktop Mode, especially on larger screens like tablets or via external monitors, QPR1 Beta 3 introduces an intuitive feature: the ability to pin and unpin apps directly from the taskbar.

Previously, users had limited control over the taskbar’s appearance in desktop mode. Now, by long-pressing any app icon, a new context menu appears with options to "Pin to Taskbar" or "Unpin." This gives users a Windows-like customization ability, enabling a more streamlined, personalized workspace when using Android as a desktop OS alternative.

Whether you're multitasking between Gmail, Google Docs, and YouTube, or turning your Pixel Tablet into a workstation, this update helps build toward a smoother, more PC-like experience on Android. It also signals that Google is investing more in productive and flexible UX across screen sizes.

5-Bar Cellular Signal UI.

Another quiet—but-effective change in Beta 3 is the update to Android’s cellular signal bar UI, which now consistently displays five signal bars instead of the previous four. This brings Android’s design closer to iOS and offers users a more nuanced view of their signal strength.

Why does this matter? For many users, especially those in rural or congested urban areas, knowing the difference between “barely connected” and “strong signal” can affect how and when they make calls, use data, or switch to Wi-Fi. More signal granularity equals better real-time decisions for users on the go.

Credit: 9to5Google

Refined Settings & System UI Details

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 3 also brings a batch of minor UI refinements to the Settings app, Quick Settings panel, and launcher widgets—subtle but impactful.

For example:

• Spacing between settings options has been slightly adjusted for better tap targets and visual clarity.
• Toggle switches now have a more responsive animation, creating a smoother feel during navigation.
• The At-a-Glance widget on the home screen has been restored to include colorful weather icons, improving both the aesthetic and usability at a glance.

Also Read: Android 16 QPR1 Rolls Out to Pixel Devices with 'No Data Wipe' Option.

Nine Major Bug Fixes.

This Beta addresses nine headline issues flagged by users:

1. RTOS task list kernel bug causing restarts

2. Launcher display glitches

3. Notification rendering problems

4. Media player malfunction in shade

5. Class loader restart bug

6. Kernel-caused restarts

7. Camera startup black screen fix

8. Status bar padding adjustments

9. Notification folding issues.

With at least nine key problems resolved, the update significantly boosts device reliability.

What's Still Missing?

Several experimental improvements remain absent from Beta 3, including:

• Qi2 charger screen savers

• Enhanced HDR brightness toggle

• Dedicated "Parental controls" menu

• New 90:10 split-screen ratio

• Tablet bubble bar and lock‑screen blur UI.

Google appears to reserve these for future Canary or stable builds.

This release supports Pixel 6 and newer, including Pixel 6a, 7/7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8 series, 9 series, and Pixel Tablet. If you're enrolled in QPR1 beta and want stability over bleeding-edge features, this is an optimal moment to either remain enrolled or opt out ahead of the September stable release.

Google expects to launch Android 16 QPR1 Stable on September 3, 2025. To ensure you receive it, unenroll post-Beta 3—you’ll otherwise be moved to QPR2.