Google just gave Android a fresh makeover to make it more fun and colorful. The new look is called Material 3 Expressive and gets rid of the old style with bold colors, bouncy animations, and bigger buttons. It is one of the highlights of the Android 16 update to be rolled out later this year, and it starts with Google Pixel phones.
What’s New in Material 3 Expressive
The most significant changes are the appearance and the feel of Android. Here are the key updates:
- Bright Colors Everywhere
Screens are filled with neon pinks, purples, and blues. These colors get adjusted according to your wallpaper, giving an effect of personalization to your cell phone. - Bouncy Animations
A swipe on a notification causes it to wiggle off like a blob of jelly and a light vibration of the phone. The sliding of the volume bar is springy, almost like a rubber band. - Easier to Read
Text is bigger and bolder. Buttons are more noticeable, thus, you locate them with ease.
Live Updates for Food and Rides
Android now shows real-time updates for apps like Uber or DoorDash on your lock screen. For example, you can see your pizza’s delivery progress without unlocking your phone. This feature works like Apple’s Live Activities but only supports food, rides, and maps for now.
Customizable Quick Settings
You can now move and resize buttons in the notification panel. Want the flashlight button bigger? Just drag it. This mimics a popular iPhone feature but adds blurry backgrounds for style.
Why Google Is Targeting Younger Users
Google found that 87% of young people aged 18 to 24 prefer flashy designs over simple ones. Since many teens use iPhones, Google hopes bright colors and fun animations will make Android phones feel cooler. Early tests show users spot colorful buttons four times faster than older ones.
Problems Google Still Faces
- Not All Phones Get the Update
Samsung and OnePlus often ignore Google’s designs. Their phones might not look the same as Pixels. - Apps Might Not Change Quickly
Developers are slow to adopt new styles. Only 15% of apps used the last big Android design update fully.
When Can You Try the New Design?
Google Pixel phones will get Material 3 Expressive first with the Android 16 beta this month. Other phones might follow later, but some brands could skip it.
Why This Update Matters
Android’s new look is not just about colors. It is about making phones easier and more enjoyable to use. Bigger buttons help people find features faster, while animations make the phone feel alive. For Google, this is a step toward winning back teens who love iPhones.
