Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 Introduces Transparent Viewed Notifications for a Cleaner Lock Screen

Google has released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2, which includes a small but noticeable redesign to the lock screen notification interface. The latest update builds on a feature introduced in the previous beta — a ‘seen notifications’ section — by making it more visually subtle. Instead of displaying as an opaque pill, viewed notifications now appear with a transparent background, allowing them to blend more seamlessly with the lock screen wallpaper. This change not only improves the visual experience but also helps emphasize new notifications while de-emphasizing those already seen.

The pill now includes both viewed and silent notifications, and the settings label has been updated from ‘show seen notifications’ to ‘viewed notifications.’ Users can access this feature through Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen. No other major changes were observed in the menu.

This interface tweak aligns with Google’s broader efforts to refine the Android user experience as Android 16 develops. However, larger design changes tied to Material You’s evolution under the Material 3 Expressive design language are expected to appear in future builds. While subtle, this UI enhancement contributes to a cleaner, less intrusive notification system on Pixel devices.