Google’s Android 16 update is about one thing and one thing only: Material 3 Expressive.
While light on new features and functionality, Android 16’s new Material 3 Expressive introduces sweeping changes to the look and feel of the smartphone software, from minor tweaks to complete overhauls of Android systems.
However, it’s not an update that some of the best Android phones will receive – even if they get the Android 16 update.
Here’s everything you need to know about Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive overhaul, from new features and functionality to the somewhat confusing rollout later this year.
What is Material 3 Expressive?
Material 3 Expressive is a massive user interface overhaul being introduced as part of the upcoming Android 16 update. The update is a huge step forward for Google and its ongoing efforts to make the Android operating system look more visually engaging and interactive.
New icons and animations
That starts with new shapes and, more importantly, shape-morphing transitions. Though it doesn’t sound like much, it’d allow, say, a circle to change into a square during an animation transition, which should help the OS feel more dynamic as a result.
That’s paired with a new spring-based motion system that should make interactions feel more fluid and lifelike. For example, if you swipe away a notification, it’ll trigger a smooth detach animation, with nearby UI elements reacting with a bit of bounce.
To take advantage of the new shapes and transitions, there’s a range of revamped components, from refreshed app bars, navigation bars and carousels, along with new elements like button groups, toolbars and a floating action button. These should be present both in the UI and within apps – but more on the latter a little later.
Better theme colours
Google’s dynamic theming system, a key component of the original Material 3 design, has also had a facelift.
It’s still based on the colours from your wallpaper, but it’s said to offer better contrast and richer colour palettes that should do a better job of separating primary and secondary elements than the current system. This should make it much easier to tell what’s important on screen, especially in more visually complex apps.
App icon customisation
App icon shape customisation is also making a comeback, following its removal with the release of Android 12. In Android 16, you’ll be able to choose from six different shapes for your app icons, from the classic circle and square to more unique shapes like the ‘four-sided cookie’.
It’s a small feature, admittedly, but one that adds more character to your Home screen and app drawer.
Redesigned status, notification and quick settings menus
The status bar has seen a bit of attention. There are more refined icons for Wi-Fi, mobile data and battery, with improved spacing and updated fonts that make things easier to understand at a glance.
The notification panel has also undergone some big changes, with Google following the example set by Apple (and most Chinese OEMs) by splitting the notification shade and quick settings menus. As part of the new split system, you’ll be able to pin more controls and resize tiles in the new quick settings menu, just like you can on iOS.
The update also brings support for Live Updates that, just like Apple’s alternative, can deliver real-time information from apps like Google Maps or Uber Eats directly within the notification shade, removing the need to hop between apps for quick updates.
Which Android apps will get a Material 3 Expressive overhaul?
As part of the Material 3 Expressive reveal, Google also shared an early look at redesigns coming to first-party apps on Android.
The Fitbit app, for example, is set to ditch the top tabs for Day, Week, Month and Year with a floating toolbar at the bottom, along with the introduction of more colours.
The Gmail app offers more changes, including a revamped inbox view with messages displayed on a card with rounded top corners. When you swipe to mark emails as read, archive, etc, there’s also a more prominent animation. The search field, hamburger icon and account switcher have also been moved to a separate background layer to add depth to the experience.
The Google Photos app, meanwhile, introduces a full-screen album view that makes use of a floating toolbar.
Google has also confirmed that third-party app makers will be able to implement elements of the Material 3 Expressive redesign via APKs, but specific third-party app UI updates are yet to be detailed. It seems we’ll have to wait and see for now!
When will Material 3 Expressive roll out to phones?
This one’s a little trickier to answer, partly due to the fragmented nature of Android software.
While stock Android phones like the Google Pixel range and (likely) Motorola phones will offer the UI update in time, it’s unlikely that all the visual changes will make it to third-party skins like Samsung’s OneUI, Honor’s MagicOS, OnePlus’ OxygenOS and more.
These skins have their own distinct UI style separate from stock Android, and we can’t see that changing anytime soon.
Even if you own a recent Pixel smartphone, the rollout timeline is a little complicated. Despite the fact that Android 16 is set for release on Pixel phones in June, Google has confirmed that the Material 3 Expressive UI update won’t roll out to devices until later this year.
“So, the updates for Material Expressive are going to be available on Pixel devices first later this year, but it’s not going to be part of the public release in June,” confirmed Allen Huang, Google’s Director of Product Management for Pixel and Android system UI, during the Android 16 reveal.
