Android 16 may be my favorite Google software design overhaul yet – here’s what’s new

Android 16 is coming, and with it, we’ll see a considerable refresh on the UI front. It’s been four years since Material You was first released, and the latest iteration (version 3) looks to include some features and improvements that many have been hoping for.

Also: 6 rumored Android 16 features that are making this loyal Pixel user ecstatic

From animations to notifications, everything in the Android UI looks like it will see serious improvement. Here’s what’s coming to this refreshed UI.

1. Animations with a little more pep

From the demos I’ve seen, animations (across the board) are springier and more responsive. What’s really nice about this change is that it almost feels more organic. For example, when you drag an animation, the adjoining animations subtly react to the movement. This will also help make Android components more responsive, at least visually so.

2. Blurs and shading

With version 16 of the OS, we’ll finally get subtle blurs and background shading. When you pull down the Notification Shade, instead of seeing a flat background, you’ll get a subtle background blur and shading to give the UI more depth and movement. 

This also has the added benefit of helping you remember what apps you’re using in the background.

3. Color and typography

Android 16 is also getting dynamic color themes. I assume these themes will change as you move from night to day or based on the wallpaper you select. The latest OS also receives a bit more emphasis on typography, so you can further customize your phone to perfectly fit your style. 

Also: With Android 16, the Linux terminal gets all the space it needs

Another nice thing is that these customizations will be consistent across all Google apps (such as Gmail, Calendar, Photos, and more).

4. Quick Settings is expanding

If you’re fond of the Quick Settings feature at the top of the notification shade, you’ll be glad to know that you can customize it to add even more of your favorite actions.

5. Live Updates from the lock screen

This feature will be a big help to those who depend on real-time information updates. For example, say you’ve hailed a ride share and you don’t want to have to keep checking the app to see where the driver is. 

With Android 16, you’ll see Live Updates of that information at the top of the display. This feature will support top delivery, ride-share, and navigation apps.

6. Changes to Wear OS

For those who also have a Wear OS smartwatch, you’ll be glad to know that some of these changes will also find their way to your wrist. You’ll enjoy a more fluid design, scrolling animations that trace the curvature of the display, animated lists, motion and response feedback with the pin pad and controlling media, smoother transitions with shape-morphing elements, and dynamic colors.

My take as an Android enthusiast

Android has been my mobile OS of choice since I walked away from my first “dumb phone.” Although I’ve always thought Android to be the best phone OS on the market, there is one area where Apple has the advantage… the look and feel. 

Even after Material You was released, I’ve always found it to lack depth and dynamics. For the longest time, Android has felt flat and uninspired. On the other hand, the iOS UI looks dynamic, full of depth and personality, and modern. Android? Blah.

Also: My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now – and how I use them

From what I’ve seen of Android 16 so far, the designers are finally kicking boring to the curb to help bring the UI into a more modern, exciting aesthetic. This update has been long overdue and is certainly as welcome as any change I’ve seen for Android in some time.

There have been third-party apps (such as home screen launchers) that have tried to give the Android UI a kick in the pants, but those can be inconsistent, and some don’t integrate as well as the Google default home screen launcher.

With the release of the Pixel 9, it was the first time I thought the hardware was more elegant than the UI. Hopefully, the release of Android 16 will give us a bit more balance, so we can finally say that an Android phone is as elegant an option as an iPhone.

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