Android's Big Redesign: New Features and UI Changes Coming Soon

Google is preparing to roll out one of the most significant UI overhauls for Android in recent years, and early leaks have provided a glimpse into the exciting new changes. From revamped Quick Settings to cleaner lock screen designs and improved sliders, the Android interface is about to look and feel a lot fresher. While these design changes aren't yet available in the latest Android 16 Beta, the company is expected to unveil its full vision soon. Let’s dive into the key updates that are coming our way, giving Android a much-needed visual upgrade.

New Icons, Fonts, and Background Blur Effects

Android users are in for a visual treat with the upcoming redesign. One of the most noticeable changes involves the status bar. Google is revamping the icons for Wi-Fi, mobile data, airplane mode, and battery level, making them clearer and more modern. The Wi-Fi and mobile data icons have been segmented, while the 5G and airplane mode icons are now bolder. Additionally, the battery icon now boasts a colorful design: it turns green when charging and red when the battery is low, making it more intuitive.

Another subtle but welcome change is the new font used for the clock in the status bar. The text is now slightly larger and bolder, making it easier to read at a glance—an upgrade that many users will appreciate.

The New Combined Notifications and Quick Settings Panel

Google has long been working on redesigning the notifications and Quick Settings panel, and while the split-panel approach (separating notifications and Quick Settings) may not be fully realized just yet, some features from that design have made their way into the new layout. The upcoming panel design retains the combined format but brings a host of quality-of-life improvements, including resizable Quick Settings tiles, new one-click toggles for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and a more organized tile editor.

The biggest visual change, however, is the addition of background blur. This effect creates a more aesthetically pleasing experience by applying a blurred backdrop to the Quick Settings and notifications area. When light mode is enabled, the background takes on a frosted glass appearance, while dark mode gives the panel a more subdued gray tone with transparency applied. While this may slightly reduce contrast and readability, the overall look is much sleeker.

A Cleaner, More Compact Lock Screen Layout

Another noteworthy change in Android’s upcoming redesign is a cleaner and more compact lock screen layout. Google has moved the date and weather information to a more flexible position, depending on where the clock is placed. The date and weather now appear below the clock when centered and to the clock's right when positioned at the top. The contextual information complication, such as notifications, has also been relocated for a cleaner look.

Additionally, Android is introducing a new compact notification shelf for the lock screen. This optional feature collapses notifications into small icons that appear below the contextual information, reducing clutter while still providing easy access to pending notifications.

Pin Entry and Media Output UI Changes

For users who care about every detail, the upcoming Android overhaul also includes subtle but refreshing changes to the PIN entry screen. In addition to the blurred background effect, the number entry dots now feature dynamic colors in line with Material You theming, and the numbers themselves are slightly larger and bolder for easier interaction.

The volume and media output controls are also receiving a redesign. Android’s new volume sliders are thinner and more streamlined, with distinct handles for a sleeker, more modern look. The media output switcher has also been revamped, with clearer labeling and better organization, making it easier for users to manage connected devices.

A More Expressive Settings App and New Icon Shapes

Google is also updating the Settings app to align with its new Material 3 Expressive design language. The overhaul will introduce colorful icons, new Material Design 3 switches, and more intuitive subpage navigation. The page headers will now appear at the very top of each menu, offering a cleaner layout that makes it easier to navigate through settings.

For those who enjoy personalizing their devices, Android’s upcoming redesign will also feature new icon shape options for the Pixel Launcher. While users won’t have full freedom to customize icons, they will be able to choose from five new geometric shapes, including "square," "seven-sided cookie," and "complex clover." These shapes will be applied not only to the home screen but also to the app drawer.

Background Blur: A Trend Making Its Way to Stock Android

A common thread throughout these design changes is the introduction of background blur. This effect, which has been used in other Android-based systems like Xiaomi’s HyperOS, is making its debut in stock Android. The blurred background appears in several areas, including the Quick Settings panel, Pixel Launcher’s app drawer, and the PIN entry screen. It’s a welcome change for Android users who have longed for a more refined and visually appealing interface.

What’s Next: When Will These Changes Arrive?

These design changes are currently hidden in Android 16 Beta 4, which means they aren’t enabled by default. While it’s unlikely that these updates will make their way into the stable Android 16 release, Google is likely to roll them out in a future update. The company has teased that the new design language, known as Material 3 Expressive, will be unveiled at Google I/O 2025. It’s possible that these UI changes will be a part of that major announcement.

Google’s Material Design has always been a key part of Android’s identity, and with the upcoming UI overhaul, the company is aiming to bring a more expressive, visually stunning experience to its users. We’ll have to wait until next month’s I/O event for more details, but for now, Android fans can look forward to a more polished and aesthetically pleasing experience on their devices.