Android 16 QPR3 rolling out with March 2026 security update

Source: 9to5Google

Android 16 QPR3 is rolling out today with the March 2026 security patch for Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10a. The update also includes the latest Pixel Feature Drop.

Interface changes

Home screen

• You can now remove At a Glance from the top of your first home page.
  Long‑press anywhere → Home settings → At a Glance (gear icon) → toggle Show on home screen.

Pixel Launcher

• New animation when opening or closing app folders.
• Adjustments to widget resizing.
• Themed icons have been renamed to “Minimal.”
• Tweaks to the Edit tiles page.
• A new “No recent items” screen appears in Recents when no apps are open.

Quick Settings

• Pixel phones now allow you to adjust Flashlight Strength.
  • In the 1×1 tile configuration, long‑press to reveal a vertical slider.
  • In the 2×1 tile configuration, tap the right side of the tile.
• Location status is now represented by a blue dot or chip, matching the Camera and Microphone indicators.

Settings app

• The System page has been reorganized into several headings.
• Samsung‑style button navigation order (Recents → Home → Back) is now available as a Navigation mode option (instead of the default Back → Home → Recents).

Desktop Pixel experience

• Google is introducing a desktop‑style experience with windowing when you connect an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Desktop windowing is also available on the Pixel Tablet with Android 16 QPR3.

Security updates

Android 16 March patch dated 2026‑03‑01 resolves 63 security issues, and the patch dated 2026‑03‑05 resolves 66 issues. The vulnerabilities range from High to Critical severity.