Android 15 QPR1 stable update for Pixel devices and a sneak peek at Android 16’s AI writing tool controls

Google has released the stable update for Android 15 QPR1, transitioning users from Beta 3.1 to the latest version. The update, which took longer than usual to arrive, is now available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel Fold, where it’s a small 10.48 MB update. It brings the December 2024 security patch and can be installed without erasing user data.

To update your device, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Software updates > System update.
3. Confirm that it says “Android Beta Exit No Data Wipe” before installing.

This update also ensures users who exited the Android Beta Program are ready for future updates without jumping to QPR2, which includes features like redesigned Modes and Notification Cooldown.

Android 16 May Let Apps Turn Off AI Writing Assistance

AI-powered writing tools, like those in Gboard, have streamlined typing by offering automatic suggestions and corrections. However, not everyone wants AI assistance in every situation. Android 16 could offer a solution by introducing new options for controlling AI-powered writing features.

What’s New in Android 16?

Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority explored the Android 16 Developer Preview 2 and uncovered two methods in the EditorInfo class:

1. isWritingToolsEnabled(): Checks if AI-powered writing tools are active for a text editor.
2. setWritingToolsEnabled(): Allows apps to disable AI writing tools for specific text fields.

These features give apps more control, letting them disable AI assistance in certain scenarios, such as password or numeric fields, where suggestions could be unnecessary or confusing.

How It Works

• By default, AI tools are enabled for most text fields.
• Developers can disable AI assistance where it’s not appropriate, ensuring a smoother user experience.
• For instance, fields like email addresses, phone numbers, or passwords wouldn’t benefit from AI suggestions, and this API can standardize that behavior across different keyboards.

Why This Matters

While AI tools in keyboards like Gboard can boost productivity in regular text fields—helping you write faster and with fewer errors—there are cases where such tools might not be helpful. Android 16’s Writing Tools API empowers app developers to decide when and where AI writing tools should be active.

Although this offers more control, users can still work around restrictions. For example, you can write text in another app and paste it into restricted fields. Nevertheless, this update reflects Android’s ongoing focus on customization and user-centric features.