Android 17 QPR1 changes some Pixel status bar icons

9to5google.com Sep 20, 2026

Android 17 QPR1 changes some Pixel status bar icons

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 20, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

The stable rollout of Android 17 QPR1 introduced unexpected changes to Pixel status‑bar icons. The mute/silent indicator, previously a crossed‑out speaker, now appears as a bell—a design Google had replaced with the speaker icon in Android 14. This regression was absent from the QPR1 beta and only appeared with the OTA this week, while the speaker icon remains in the Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 build. Additionally, the VPN icon has been redesigned as a thicker, solid shape, also debuting solely in the stable release. The volume slider’s top switcher still shows the bell, adding to the inconsistency. Google has not confirmed whether these alterations are intentional, and any correction is unlikely before the major QPR2 update slated for December.

💡 Why It Matters

· The icon swap reveals a possible quality‑control slip in Google’s release pipeline, suggesting that even minor UI elements can slip through testing and affect user experience.

Android Capsules

Read full article on 9to5google.com

Xiaomi 18 Pro series launches September 23, five key specs confirmed

Xiaomi announced that its 18 Pro series will be unveiled at an autumn product launch event on September 23, 19:00 China time. The lineup includes the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, which share a common 2nm GAA‑process flagship chipset—identified by analysts as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6—alongside identical camera and display hardware. Both models feature a Leica‑branded dual‑200 MP camera system, with a main sensor and a periscope telephoto sensor, and a new Super Pixel display employing an M11 light‑emitting system and green‑light material for higher brightness and lower power draw. The primary distinction is battery capacity: a 7,000 mAh unit in the 18 Pro and an 8,500 mAh unit in the 18 Pro Max, both using Xiaomi’s GSR VIII silicon‑enhanced cells. The launch coincides with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit, suggesting further technical details may emerge.

💡 By pairing a cutting‑edge 2nm chipset with a high‑resolution Leica camera suite, Xiaomi aims to set a new performance‑and‑imaging benchmark for Android flagships ahead of the 2026 holiday season.

androidcentral.com · Sep 20

The Nimble SHAREPOWER power bank splits a 10,000mAh battery in half so…

Android Central senior editor Namerah Saud Fatmi reviewed Nimble’s new SHAREPOWER power bank, a 10,000 mAh unit that physically separates into two independent 5,000 mAh modules. Each half features its own USB‑C input and output ports, allowing users to charge one device while handing the other half to a companion. The design includes magnetic connectors that lock the halves together for combined capacity or detach for simultaneous charging of multiple phones. Nimble markets the device as a “share‑first” solution for travelers and groups, emphasizing its lightweight aluminum shell and built‑in safety circuitry. The power bank supports 18 W fast‑charging via USB‑C and includes a traditional USB‑A port for legacy devices. Priced at $79, it launches globally this week and includes a one‑year warranty today.

💡 Enabling two people to draw power from a single pack transforms charging from a solitary task into a shared experience, a novel angle in a market of mostly single‑user accessories.

9to5google.com · Sep 19

Gmail adds ‘Copy code’ shortcut for 2FA on Android & iOS

Gmail introduced a “Copy code” shortcut for two‑factor authentication (2FA) codes on its Android and iOS apps, following recent updates that added Live search and chat. The pill‑shaped button appears beneath the email subject line and displays the numeric code, allowing users to tap it and automatically copy the code to the clipboard. This eliminates the need to open the message, select the code, and manually copy it before pasting it into the authentication field. The feature is currently available in Gmail version 2026.09.07.x for Android and version 6.0.260907 for iOS, but it is not yet supported in the web client. Early testing confirmed it works with typical store and banking verification emails, offering a streamlined user experience.

💡 By reducing steps in the 2FA workflow, the shortcut speeds up secure logins on mobile, addressing a common friction point for users handling time‑sensitive codes.

9to5google.com · Sep 19

Valve’s open-source ‘Lepton’ brings Android games to the $1,059 Steam Frame

Valve has released Lepton, an open‑source tool that enables Android‑native games to run on Linux, specifically targeting the new Steam Frame. The repository is hosted on GitHub, and Valve notes that developers can use Lepton to port Android VR titles, such as Meta Quest games, to the Steam Frame. The Steam Frame, a Snapdragon‑powered headset priced at $1,059, debuted earlier this week, and a waitlist is now open for interested buyers.

💡 By opening Lepton, Valve lowers the barrier for Android developers to reach a Linux audience, expanding the Steam ecosystem beyond traditional PC titles.

androidcentral.com · Sep 19

You can get a free year of unlimited wireless when you buy…

Patrick, an eCommerce Editor at Android Central, transitioned from a decade in independent bookstores and freelance writing to full‑time tech journalism in 2020. He joined Android Central in 2022 as Deals and Commerce Writer, now overseeing the site’s eCommerce coverage and major sale events. Patrick focuses on helping consumers avoid buyer’s remorse by simplifying complex tech purchases, such as carrier switches and smart TV buys. His work appears in major outlets including the Chicago Tribune, The Hill, and BestReviews, and he balances his career with outdoor adventures and caring for a polydactyl cat.

💡 Patrick’s expertise bridges the gap between tech complexity and everyday consumer needs, empowering shoppers to make informed decisions without costly mistakes.

androidcentral.com · Sep 18

If you’re wondering, no, tablets aren’t dead: Honor surges for Android in…

Honor announced a 25.3% year‑over‑year increase in Android tablet shipments in Q2 2026, according to an IDC report covering the EMEA market. The region’s overall tablet market fell 10.5% YoY to 5.9 million units, yet Honor’s MagicPad 4, featuring a new OLED display and 5,320 Hz PWM dimming, drove the brand’s growth. Samsung remains the market leader, while Xiaomi saw only 3.4% growth. Honor’s performance underscores its expanding presence beyond smartphones.

💡 Honor’s surge demonstrates that Android tablets can still capture significant market share, challenging Samsung’s dominance and signaling renewed consumer interest in high‑quality, feature‑rich tablet devices.