At The Android Show I/O Edition today, Google announced a major redesign coming to Android 16 and Wear OS 6 devices later this year.
The update, called Material 3 Expressive, builds on Google’s previous design language and focuses on making phones and watches feel more personal and easier to use. The new look includes smoother animations, deeper colour customization, and better ways to quickly access key information. Just yesterday, we saw Google redesign its “G” icon on iOS and Android.
On phones, users will notice subtle motion effects—like notifications gently shifting when one is dismissed—and haptic feedback to make actions feel more natural. Quick Settings will also become easier to customize, allowing more shortcuts for things like Flashlight and Do Not Disturb.
Check out the video below to learn more about Material 3 Expressive from Google:
A new Live Updates feature will let apps show real-time progress updates right on the lock screen. For example, you’ll be able to track an Uber Eats delivery without opening the app.
For Wear OS smartwatches, the redesign focuses on the round display. Scrolling now creates a sense of depth and smooth movement. Buttons have been redesigned to fit the screen better and make tapping easier. Colour themes from watch faces will apply across the whole system for a more consistent look.
Google says Wear OS 6 will also improve battery life by up to 10%. The new design will launch on Pixel devices first, with more Android partners expected to follow later in 2025.
Next week on May 20, Google I/O 2025 will kick off, where we will learn more about changes coming for Android and more. Of course, all of this news usurps Apple’s WWDC coming next month. Today, Apple shared two announcements first thing (more on that coming shortly), in an attempt to undercut this barrage of Android news.
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