Android 16 Set to Launch Soon
Android 16 is expected to reach stability next month during Google I/O. We’ve already seen several developer-focused previews and four beta versions, none of which introduced significant changes to the user interface or overall experience on Google’s Pixel devices. If you’re looking just for the major, flashy updates, the Android 16 update might come across as minor. However, there are some intriguing new features and a wealth of hidden adjustments that have recently come to light.
In the latest Android 16 Beta 4, Google appears to have concealed several noteworthy UI enhancements that are on the horizon. We first spotted hints of these changes over a month ago, and they seem more refined in this latest beta. Although these updates are still under wraps and require tinkering to access, their presence in various areas hints that we might be nearing a significant UI makeover for Pixels.
Mishaal Rahman enabled these hidden changes and provided several examples of how the UI currently appears on a Pixel device. We’ve summarized the key updates below, along with accompanying images to give you a preview of what’s in store for your Pixel 9 or other Pixel models.
What Can We Expect from the New Android UI?
Enhanced Blur Effects: Google is set to embrace the concept of blur, introducing blurred backgrounds across multiple screens if this new UI experience rolls out soon. The blur effect is expected behind a redesigned Quick Settings and notification panel, along with the PIN/password screen and app switcher—marking a departure from Google’s historically opaque backgrounds.
Updates to Quick Settings and Notifications: The Quick Settings area will also offer more customization options alongside the blurred backgrounds. The standard black background will shift to a more colorful and transparent look influenced by your wallpaper, allowing users to resize quick settings tiles for a personalized touch. The notification panel might receive a redesign, featuring a centered “Clear all” button and new shortcuts on either side.
Status Bar Adjustments: Expect slight modifications to the status bar icons, with bolder designs and a battery icon that changes color based on charging status. These tweaks are fairly subtle.
Bolder Text: The settings area will feature bolder fonts for headings and text elements at the top of various screens.
New Icon Shapes: While we’ve seen some of these before, new shape options for icons are on the way.
Lock Screen Layout Changes: Google may tweak the lock screen layout so that the date and weather information appears below the large clock, rather than in the top left corner—only when no notifications are present.
Revamped Volume Sliders: A significant change is coming to volume sliders, with a new draggable line for precise adjustments, moving away from the previous circular design.
While these changes might not seem drastic, they are impactful for Pixel devices. The Pixel experience, although beloved, is starting to feel somewhat outdated compared to competitors like Samsung’s One UI 7 or OnePlus’s OxygenOS 15. Both companies have actively refreshed their UIs, while Google’s updates have remained sparse in recent years.
We are uncertain if or when these features will make their way into a future release from Google. Since they are currently hidden in beta, it is unlikely we’ll see them in the stable version of Android 16 next month. Nevertheless, Google is gearing up for another significant update later this year, which could be an excellent opportunity for a UI overhaul.
What are your thoughts?