Android 15 QPR2 Unveiled: March Security Update Brings Customizable Modes and More

Android 15 QPR2 Update with March Security Patch

Overview

Google has rolled out the stable Android 15 Quality Program Release 2 (QPR2) update along with a Pixel Feature Drop, effective as of March 2025. This update includes several notable changes and improvements for supported Pixel devices, which include the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Tablet, Fold, 8, 8 Pro, 8a, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold. This is the final major update to Android 15.

New Features

Customizable Modes

• Replacement of Do Not Disturb (DND): DND has been replaced with customizable 'Modes.'
• Existing Modes: Bedtime, Flip to Shhh, Game Dashboard, and Pixel Stand.
• *Customization Options:
  • Name and icon selection
  • Scheduling options (day/time or calendar events)
  • Notification filters (allow all, specific people, apps, alarms, etc.)
  • Display settings (grayscale, dark theme, keep screen dark, dim wallpaper)
• Quick Settings Tile: Modes can be enabled from the Quick Settings tile.

Notification Cooldown

• Functionality: When receiving many notifications within a short time, the device will lower volume and minimize alerts for up to 2 minutes. Calls, alarms, and priority conversations are exempt.

Other Changes

• Gboard Globe Icon: No longer appears if only one keyboard/language is set.
• Bluetooth Battery Percentage: Displayed in Bluetooth Device details page.
• Live Image in QS Tile: Used for certain features.
• Themed Icons: Beta badge removed in Pixel Launcher > Wallpaper & style.
• Toast Messages: Accompanied by the app's icon.
• QR Code Sharing: Material You shape used when sharing Wi-Fi credentials.

Security Updates

• Kernel Update: Linux kernel updated to version 6.1.99 for all supported devices from Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
• Security Patches: 31 security issues resolved in the 2025-03-01 patch and 13 in the 2025-03-05 patch, ranging from high to critical severity.
• Exploited Vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-43093 and CVE-2024-50302 are noted as being under limited, targeted exploitation.