Google is preparing to upgrade the kernel version of all Tensor-powered Pixels to Linux 6.1 in Android 15 QPR2.

Google has started rolling out Live Scam Detection to the Pixel Phone app, while an upgraded version of the Play Protect system will help detect and report any scammy Google Play apps in real time. However only the latter will be making its way to non Pixel phones, as far as we know.

Google is updating the Android Linux kernel to 6.1.99 for all Tensor-powered Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6 series. Linux 6.1 was spotted as part of the Android 15 QPR 15 Beta 1 release, and will release with the stable March Pixel Feature Drop. Kernel updates are essential for device security and compatibility with future Android releases.

Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 arrived earlier today as a Generic System Image. Builds are now out for Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 up to present. Installing one will register your device with the Beta for Pixel program.

Google told us this was coming weeks ago. Now Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 has finally arrived with our first look at the March 2025 Pixel Feature Drop.

Custom icon shapes for Pixel phones were spotted in the latest Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 update and posted on the Telegram channel Google News. This is a beloved feature Google removed way back with Android 12, along with custom status bar icons and fonts. At least one of those things is coming back, although there appears to be a limit.

For Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1, Google has made this first build available to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

Google highlighted the start of Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 to Pixel testers on Reddit. The update contains the November security patch and a list of known issues users may encounter. The QPR2 update is expected to arrive as the March 2025 feature drop while we brace for a much earlier Android 16 launch.