2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Android fans, with Android 16 bringing a host of new features and major UI updates. Ahead of Google I/O 2025, the company hosted The Android Show last week to reveal the new Material 3 Expressive design changes coming to Android. While users eagerly anticipate the Android 16 release to experience the updated design, Google has just released another Android 16 beta featuring the latest Material 3 Expressive design enhancements.
Right after the Google I/O 2025 keynote, Google released the Android 16 QPR1 Beta, delivering the new Material 3 Expressive UI with a full interface overhaul for Pixel users. This update brings refreshed designs to the quick settings, lock screen, settings app, and Pixel launcher.
Additionally, the update introduces redesigned Media and Volume Controls, new customization options, and more. Notably, Google’s At a Glance widget has been shifted to the right instead of appearing above the clock.
Material 3 Expressive also adds detailed animations throughout Android 16, creating a subtle bounce effect on nearby elements when interacting with any UI component. While the QPR1 Beta doesn’t include features like bubble-anything or a small app dock yet, it does improve ease of use for entering split-screen mode and managing apps from the recent apps screen.
Similarly, the QPR1 Beta introduces a new customization feature for one of the lock screen clocks, allowing users to easily adjust the font thickness. The redesigned settings app now offers a compact view for notifications and features new expressive toggles.
The Quick Settings panel is more customizable than before, with completely revamped status bar icons. Additionally, both the software update and system update pages have been refreshed. The Google Play System update loading indicator now appears as squiggly lines, matching the style seen in the Media Player.
Unfortunately, Material 3 Expressive hasn’t reached Google apps yet, but we expect apps like Google Keep, Calendar, Photos, Files by Google, and others to get the update possibly by the end of this month.
What’s your favorite feature in the Android 16 QPR1 Beta? Let us know in the comments below!
