Every twelvemonth , Google add a potpourri of features to Android . Visually , however , it change only once a few years . The last time Google made pregnant optic changes , it was with Android 12 over three years ago . In the add up month , Google is expected to recoil off another cycle of aesthetic overhaul , with significant change sprinkled across the UI . These appear aright before Google is ready to launchAndroid 16 , and has ignites new expectations — but I ’m afraid this comes too little , too late .
Theredesigned Android interfacebrings a breath of freshness , with visually engaging colors and entirely refreshed slider across the interface . Even littler elements , include picture in the status bar , are going under the tongue , and coming out slightly more detailed than were in the previous looping . Many prospect of the interface appear to have take over a semitransparent cloak , giving it a more mod look . While the visual encroachment is undeniable , the timing is rather odd .
Google ’s approaching Android version — Android 16 — is just around the corner and is expect to start rolling out formally atGoogle I / O — its yearly conference for developer , which isscheduled to kick - off on May 20th . So the first thought to go forth is that Google may present the feature when it announces other major changes coming to Android later this calendar month . However , there are signal contradicting that .
Old (left) vs. new unreleased Quick settings menu on Android.Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
This preview feels poorly timed
Every big optic or feature overhaul typically come with a Modern variation of Android . Big upgrade like these qualify for dedicated version number update — and any lesser intervention would n’t suffice ! It ’s the same with every software companionship — Apple is wait to refresh its user interface across iOS , macOS , and tvOS with a consistent , glass - inspired theming .
Simultaneously , it is also a custom for software program companies to preview any user interface change , such as this one , months in approach as part of the genus Beta previews . Not only that let the brands to help consumers warm up up to any radical changes that might result in drug user get to change their ways around the interface , but also gives them metre to handle worry by desegregate any ubiquitous feedback distributor point .
Google also follows the same shape with a lot of other features where changes are previewed and available as optional capabilities or else of being cram down the masses ’s throat . A good exemplar would be Adaptive icon , which have been useable in Android since Android 12 but have n’t truly graduate to a degree of being a functional — and , more importantly , flawless .
Quick settings menus in leaked Android redesign (left) vs. One UI 7. The latter already has a translucent background and dynamic tiles.Tushar Mehta / Digital Trends (Screenshot by Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
For these reasons , it seems less plausible for Google to introduce these changes as part of Android 16 . or else , what seems more likely is that these will spring the basis for a braggart visual modification coming our way in Android 17 .
Another reason backing this assumption is that Google also had fewer months to ferment on Android 16 , after initiate its developer preview program in October last class . That usually happened in February , and Google I / O would be when Google showcased potential feature that would make it to the final release . rather , affaire at Google are being sped up this year — after an undue delay in launching Android 15 last year , and Android 16 is already in its finishing stages .
So , it would n’t be matured of Google to ship out a feature with minimal examination and nearly no feedback from developers or consumer . What seems a rather plausible outcome is that these features are announced later in the yr as exclusive to thePixel 10 series , though Google has n’t differentiate between devices base on visual traits before , and that doing so might gainsay theopennature of Android .
The unpredictability remains
While it seems unconvincing for Google to take the plunge so soon , there are sure reasonableness it might betray our expectations . Firstly , Google is working on a third iteration of its Material Design theming engine . “ Expressive , ” as we hear , is the guide trait behind this refresh .
However , for thing Google can control , such as the options menu or the Quick options or notifications on Android , it might fetch this new interface earlier in the shape of a unexampled optional theme . Whether it ’s as soon as Google I / O in the come calendar month , Pixel 10 ’s launch in the 2d half of 2025 , or with the Android 17 beta is what remains completely unclear .
The redesign is long overdue
disregardless of how Google handle the roll - out , the suggested port look slick and desirable . And I could n’t help oneself but like Google had n’t contract so long with it . Compared to other Android manufacturers , the opaque department in stock Android definitely calculate more drab and discomforting . So , by adopting this user interface , Android would be close in on iOS alongside others such as Samsung , Xiaomi , or OnePlus that have already opt for semitransparent backgrounds and simpler icons . So , the waiting is doubtlessly obliterate me .
On the plus side , though , stretching the release out pass on Google plenteous clip to test it out , rarify , and enable third - political party developer to integrate similar feature . I just bid Google does not go out another project in limbo as it has done to the Adaptive icons or theDesktop mode in Android .
