Massive leak reveals potential new user interface design for Android 16
Android 16, Google's next major OS update, is set to introduce significant changes to the user interface (UI). The update, expected to debut in Q2 2025, marks a major refresh in the UI with new expressive iconography, notification and lock screen redesigns focused on clarity and fluidity, and the rollout of Material 3 Expressive design language across system and Google apps.
New App Icon Shapes and Visual Style
In a departure from traditional app icons, Android 16 introduces larger, rounded, and pill-shaped icons with bolder, more expressive forms. Apps such as Files, Contacts, and Drive have been updated to feature these new designs. The changes favor softer shapes, vivid colors, and motion-driven elements to create a more lively and approachable look across system apps.
Notification Panel and Quick Settings Redesign
The notification shade in Android 16 has been redesigned for a cleaner, more modern look. Notifications and Quick Settings have moved toward a possible split or dual-pane layout, allowing independent access to notifications and toggles. The new panel features subtle animation flourishes, enhancing the smoothness and responsiveness of user interaction.
Lock Screen Changes
The lock screen includes a new clock style and font, along with a cleaner look that collapses notifications into a minimalist stack. Google has also reintroduced an "Ambient Always On Display" feature with blurred wallpaper effects, restoring wallpaper support that was removed from past Pixel models.
Material 3 Expressive UX Redesign
This broad visual language update emphasizes bolder visuals, larger thumbnails, floating action buttons that expand with quick actions, animated search bars, container-style layouts, and an overall more playful yet professional tone. The redesign was first unveiled in May 2025 and continues Android’s evolution from Material You, now focusing on adding personality while keeping accessibility intact.
Other Changes
- The battery icon in Android 16 could have a horizontal design with a color-coded background and a pop of color.
- The clock font in the status bar might be swapped.
- The status bar icons for Wi-Fi and 5G could be updated.
- The notification panel is expected to have a blurred/transparent approach.
- The volume sliders in the quick settings panel are changing to a long rectangular bar with soft corners and a vertical bar at the end.
- Android 16 might offer more "geometric" shape options for app icons in the Pixel Launcher, including square, four-sided cookie, and seven-sided cookie.
- The icons within the notification panel tiles are more square, which could indicate Google's "one-tap" function for enabling/disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- The same rectangular bar design is observed in the full volume panel.
- The redesign details were found in Android 16 Beta 4 by Mishaal Rahman for Android Authority.
- The tiles in the notification panel appear to be more bubbly with even rounder corners.
- Further details about Android 16's redesign may be revealed at I/O 2025.
- The date and temperature on the lock screen could move beneath the clock and be placed on the right side if there are notifications.
- Android 16's Settings might implement colored icons.
Google's I/O 2025 event, scheduled for May 20-21, is expected to feature Android 16, as well as details about the Material 3 "Expressive" UX redesign for Android. The event could provide a more detailed look at what's to come in Android 16, so stay tuned for updates!
Technology will play a significant role in Android 16, as Google's next major OS update introduces a Material 3 Expressive design language across system and Google apps. This redesign is set to offer bolder visuals, larger thumbnails, and a more playful yet professional tone, marking a departure from traditional app icons with the introduction of pill-shaped and rounded designs.
At the Google I/O 2025 event, expected to take place in May 2021, further details about Android 16's redesign and the Material 3 Expressive UX redesign are anticipated to be unveiled, providing a comprehensive look at what's to come in this significant technology update.
