Google has officially rolled out Android 16, introducing several under-the-hood improvements and user experience updates. However, its most anticipated visual overhaul — the Material 3 Expressive redesign — is not part of this release. According to Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman, Google is targeting a launch date of September 3, 2025, for the redesigned interface.
Material 3 Expressive, which was recently confirmed after a string of leaks, brings updated iconography, revised typography, and a broader color palette. It also promises more fluid, spring-like animations across the Android UI. While Android 16 does not ship with these changes, users can preview early design elements in the Android 16 QPR1 beta, which is available now for supported Pixel devices. Google is expected to expand these design features in the QPR1 Beta 2 build later this year.
Beyond design, Android 16 does deliver notable improvements. The update introduces Live Updates with more dynamic progress-centric notifications, as well as enhanced accessibility settings for hearing aid users. These features are rolling out to Pixel devices first, with broader availability to follow.
Also slated for September is the long-awaited Android desktop mode. Designed to compete with platforms like Samsung DeX, the new mode supports multi-window resizing and full external display support for phones and tablets. Pixel 8 users and newer can explore an early version of desktop mode in the Android 16 beta. Others may need to wait until later this year for a public release.
Android 16 sets the foundation for a more adaptive and personalized experience — but Google appears to be holding back its biggest visual changes for a focused update later this year.
