The latest Material 3 from Google The goal of Android 16’s expressive design direction is to create a more vibrant and engaging user experience. Google keeps emphasizing user control and personalization in addition to new typefaces, icons, and UI elements. The firm is also introducing new lock screen clock personalization options for Pixel phones and, eventually, the Pixel Tablet, all in keeping with its goal of making Android feel more personalized.
Following the Google I/O 2025 keynote, Google released Android 16 QPR1 Beta, giving Pixel users access to the upgraded Material 3 Expressive UI. This includes adjustments to the Pixel’s quick settings, lock screen, settings app, and launcher.
Redesigned Media and Volume Controls and Customizations are among the many other enhancements included in the upgrade. Additionally, Google’s At a Glance has been moved to the right rather than on top of the clock.
When you interact with any element in the most recent Android 16 update, Material 3 Expressive also offers highly detailed animations. It gives the element next to it a bouncy sensation. The QPR1 Beta has enhancements that make it easier to navigate between split-screen modes and manage apps from the recent screen, albeit lacking a small app dock and the bubble anything functionality.
In a same vein, QPR1 Beta introduces a new customization feature in one of the lock screen clocks, allowing you to easily change the text thickness. In addition, more expressive toggles and a compact view of notifications are features of the updated settings app.
The status bar icons have been totally redesigned, and the Quick Settings panel has been made more customisable. Finally, a makeover has also been applied to the system update and software update sites. Similar to the Media Player, the Google Play System update loading signal now appears as squiggly lines.