Google officially rolled out Android 16 to supported Pixel phones and tablets on June 10, but if you were expecting some of the flashiest new features right away, you’ll have to wait a little longer. Major upgrades like the Material 3 Expressive UI and a desktop mode similar to Samsung DeX weren’t included in this first release. Instead, they’re set to arrive in a follow-up update later this year.
Although Google hasn’t confirmed the exact date for that next update, a report from Android Authority—based on info shared by industry insider Mishaal Rahman—gives us a good idea of what to expect.
September 3 Could be the Date
According to the report, the Android 16 QPR1 (Quarterly Platform Release 1) update could go live on September 3, 2025, for compatible Pixel devices. Google is also reportedly planning to upload the corresponding source code to AOSP (Android Open Source Project) on August 20, 2025. Coincidentally—or maybe not—that’s the same day the company could launch its Pixel 10 series. If the timing lines up, the Pixel 10 phones will likely ship with Android 16 QPR1 right out of the box.
Some of the missing features, like Material 3 Expressive and the desktop mode, are already present in internal builds of Android 16 QPR1. So it’s fairly safe to assume they’ll take part in the September update. However, not everything will be accessible by default. Google appears to be limiting the full desktop experience to tablets, and even then, it might remain hidden in the developer options, meaning everyday users may not see it unless they go digging.
It is worth noting that Google has not officially confirmed any of these suggested dates. Anything can change within these few weeks of the expected release date. However, September seems to be the most realistic date for Pixel smartphone users to have the new features.
When Should Other Phone Brands Expect Android 16?
What about other Android device makers like Samsung, OnePlus, or Xiaomi? Since Material 3 Expressive UI won’t debut officially until the QPR1 build rolls out, other manufacturers likely won’t include it in their initial Android 16 updates. In fact, this delay could give them a convenient excuse to push back full integration of these design elements into their custom skins, possibly until 2026.
Lastly, don’t confuse the September QPR1 update with the SDK/API update that Google plans to release later in 2025. That will be a separate, smaller update with new tools for developers. We expect the final QPR release for Android 16 to arrive in December 2025.
In short: while Android 16 is technically here, the real upgrades are coming in waves—and the biggest wave is likely landing with the first feature drop this September.
