Recent Android updates have felt lackluster, with only subtle changes that often go unnoticed. Even the upcoming Android 16 update doesn’t seem to generate much excitement. However, Google has some major changes in store that will deliver Android’s biggest facelift in years, thanks to Material 3.
Google has confirmed plans to unveil the next iteration of its Material design language – Material 3 at its upcoming developer conference, the Android Show, expected in May. However, thanks to Android Authority, we’ve already gotten an early preview of what could be Android’s most significant redesign in years.
Android Material 3 to Focus on Blur Effects and Transparency
Let’s start with the notification shade. Comparing the old and new quick settings panels, it’s clear this isn’t HyperOS or One UI, it’s stock Android. The Material 3 redesign introduces a blurred, semi-transparent background that creates a modern, frosted glass look.
The toggles and brightness slider have received minor updates, now allowing one-tap on/off functionality. The new blur effect is also more widespread throughout the Android interface. It appears on the recent apps screen via the Pixel Launcher, when accessing the app drawer, and on the lock screen’s PIN or password entry area.
A Shift From the Android’s Bubbly Aesthetic
Back in Android 12, Google gave the interface a rounded, pill-shaped look across the board. With Material 3, those elements are being reimagined with a more functional, slightly boxier design. Take the volume slider, for example it now features a more rectangular shape with a slim handle that clearly indicates where to touch for volume adjustments.
You’ll notice the same design shift when expanding the volume panel or accessing the media output switcher. The settings page is also getting a vibrant refresh with Material 3 Expressive. As shown in the screenshots below, each setting will feature a colorful icon corresponding to its category, making it easier to quickly locate specific options within the app.
Each individual setting will be displayed in its own separate card, complete with a right-facing arrow to show that more options are available within.
Other Subtle Tweaks in Material 3 Expressive
In addition to these updates, Android will introduce several minor quality-of-life improvements. On the lock screen, the date and weather will now appear beneath the clock rather than in the top-left corner. Notification alerts will also be displayed as small icons, which you can tap to expand and view in detail.
This feature is called compact view, and you can toggle it on or off by going to Settings > Notifications > Notifications on lock screen. The PIN entry screen will also get an update, with bolder and larger numbers for improved visibility. On the home screen, there will be five new icon shapes to choose from: “square,” “four-sided cookie,” “seven-sided cookie,” “arch,” and “complex clover.”
If you pay close attention to the status bar, you’ll notice some changes to the icons. The Wi-Fi and network icons now have a segmented design, similar to OneUI 7. The battery icon has been repositioned horizontally and now displays the current percentage inside the icon, turning green when charging.
These are the major changes coming to Android with Material 3 Expressive. It looks like a significant overhaul, potentially even bigger than Material U in some areas. However, it’s unlikely to arrive with Android 16. Android Authority manually enabled these features on Android 16 Beta 4, but there’s no official word on when we might see them in the final release.
It’s possible that Google will roll out these updates later with the QPR builds for Pixel devices or save them for Android 17. We’ll likely get more details at the upcoming Google I/O. Stay tuned, and let us know your thoughts on the Material 3 changes coming to Android.
