Google introduced Material 3 Expressive, an upgraded design language for Android and Wear OS, enhancing personalization with new animations, colors, and fluidity. Significant changes include more natural system animations and haptic feedback for actions like removing notifications. The dynamic color themes feature bold colors and oversized typography, while Android 16’s quick settings will be customizable with background blur effects. Additionally, the new Live Updates will enhance notifications for ongoing activities. Wear OS 6 will also adopt Material 3 Expressive, offering improved UI efficiency, color theming, and better battery life, with the Gemini AI Assistant included. Updates will arrive later this year.
Google has unveiled Material 3 Expressive, the refreshed design language for Android and Wear OS devices. This new version enhances the existing Material You design by introducing even more personalization options, fresh animations, vibrant colors, and improved fluidity. Material 3 Expressive marks a significant advancement in the visual identity of Android and Wear OS.
On the Android front, new system animations are being rolled out that feel “more natural” and “springy.” Users will experience haptic feedback when dismissing notifications from the tray, switching between apps, or adjusting the volume slider.
The most striking visual update is the revamped dynamic color themes. Notable changes include bold colors, oversized typography, and redesigned quick settings toggles. Google’s first-party apps will be the first to undergo a Material 3 Expressive transformation.
The quick settings in Android 16 will also see a redesign, allowing users to resize and rearrange them. Additionally, a background blur effect will be added to the quick settings and notification shade.
Quick settings on Android 16
Live Updates, which represent Google’s version of Live Activities or dynamic notifications for ongoing tasks like navigation, ride-hailing, and food delivery, will appear on the homescreen and notification shade. Notably, these will also be compatible with the phone’s Always-on Display (AOD).
Android 16’s Live Updates
Material 3 Expressive will be available for beta users of Android 16 through an upcoming update. Google plans to share more details about Android 16 next week at its annual I/O conference.
Wear OS 6 will also incorporate Material 3 Expressive, focusing on round displays and introducing several essential enhancements that increase space efficiency and tapability.
The user interface will feature system-wide color theming for a more personalized experience. Devices running Wear OS 6 will benefit from smoother system animations and extended battery life, with Google reporting a 10% increase in endurance due to performance enhancements. Additionally, Google is bringing its Gemini AI Assistant to smartwatch users.
The Material 3 Expressive design for Wear OS is set to launch later this year alongside Wear OS 6.
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