Google is rolling out the Android 16 May 2026 security patch (QPR3) to a wide range of Pixel devices, including Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9a, and the full Pixel 10 family. This monthly release focuses on a security fix included in the Android 16 May patch dated 2026-05-01 and delivers device-specific builds that address stability, battery, camera, display, and framework behavior for affected Pixels.
The update includes one documented security issue resolved by the Android 16 May patch (2026-05-01). It is distributed as specific factory and OTA builds for each supported Pixel model. Below are the targeted build identifiers for devices that are receiving the update in this rollout:
- Pixel 7a: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel Tablet: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel Fold: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 8: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 8 Pro: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 8a: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 9: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 9 Pro: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 9 Pro XL: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 9a: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 10: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 10 Pro: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 10 Pro XL: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 10 Pro Fold: CP1A.260505.005
- Pixel 10a: CP1A.260505.005
Warning: The May 2026 update for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold contains a bootloader update that increments the anti-rollback version for the bootloader. This prevents the device from rolling back to earlier bootloader versions that may be vulnerable. After installing the May 2026 update on these models you will not be able to flash or boot older Android 16 builds for those devices.
If you manage one of the Pixel 10 family devices listed above, plan ahead before manually flashing images or testing older builds. The updated bootloader anti-rollback behavior is intentional and designed to protect devices from certain classes of vulnerability and tampering, but it also restricts the ability to revert software once the update is applied.
To help interpret device-specific notes in the Android 16 May changelog, the following device key is provided for shorthand reference within release notes and bugfix listings:
[1] Applies to: Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a, Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel 10a
[2] Applies to: Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL
[3] Applies to: Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL
[4] Applies to: Pixel 10
What this update fixes
Battery & Charging
- Addresses an issue that could reduce wireless charging speed when the battery level was between roughly 75% and 80% under certain conditions. This fix improves charging behavior in those scenarios for affected devices marked with the appropriate device key.
Camera
- Resolves a problem where the camera app might freeze when recording video while adjusting zoom. This correction targets the specific Pixel models indicated in the release notes to improve reliability during video capture.
Display & Graphics
- Fixes an issue that could cause a persistent flickering white dot or visual noise to appear at the top of the display in certain conditions on specific models.
- Fixes an intermittent problem that could make the screen appear fuzzy, frozen, or show visual noise lines under certain circumstances on select devices.
Framework
- Addresses a situation where the keyboard or input area could appear frozen or be positioned incorrectly within some apps under particular conditions, improving usability for affected devices.
This update is part of Google’s ongoing monthly security and stability program for Android and Pixel devices. Users should receive the over-the-air (OTA) notification when their device is scheduled to receive the patch. As always, it is recommended to back up important data before applying system updates and ensure the device has sufficient battery or is connected to power during installation. For developers and advanced users who install factory images manually, take note of the bootloader anti-rollback warning for Pixel 10 family models to avoid unintended locking out of older builds.