Yearly, Google provides a potpourri of options to Android. Visually, nevertheless, it adjustments solely as soon as just a few years. The final time Google made vital visible adjustments, it was with Android 12 over three years in the past. Within the coming months, Google is predicted to kick off one other cycle of aesthetic overhaul, with vital adjustments sprinkled throughout the UI. These seem proper earlier than Google is ready to launch Android 16, and has ignites new expectations — however I’m afraid this comes too little, too late.
The redesigned Android interface brings a breath of freshness, with visually partaking colours and fully refreshed sliders throughout the interface. Even smaller components, together with icons within the standing bar, are going underneath the knife, and popping out barely extra detailed than had been within the earlier iterations. Many elements of the interface seem to have adopted a translucent cloak, giving it a extra trendy look. Whereas the visible influence is simple, the timing is relatively odd.
Google’s upcoming Android model — Android 16 — is simply across the nook and is predicted to start out rolling out formally at Google I/O — its annual convention for builders, which is scheduled to kick-off on Might twentieth. So the primary thought to emerge is that Google could introduce the characteristic when it proclaims different main adjustments coming to Android later this month. Nonetheless, there are indicators contradicting that.
Firstly, these adjustments weren’t noticed as a extensively out there characteristic. As an alternative, people at Android Authority found it within the newest version of Android 16 beta and reverse engineered the code to activate the brand new interface. Which means, most of us, together with those that have been testing Android 16 beta on our Pixel gadgets won’t have entry to the brand new options but. However does it imply we may have them when Android 16 lastly rolls out for a large base of customers as a steady replace? Nicely, that’s the tough half!
This preview feels poorly timed
Each large visible or characteristic overhaul sometimes comes with a brand new model of Android. Huge upgrades like these qualify for devoted model quantity updates — and any lesser therapy wouldn’t suffice! It’s the identical with each software program firm — Apple is predicted to refresh its interface throughout iOS, macOS, and tvOS with a constant, glass-inspired theming.
Concurrently, additionally it is a practice for software program corporations to preview any interface adjustments, similar to this one, months upfront as a part of the beta previews. Not solely that permits the manufacturers to assist customers heat as much as any radical adjustments that may end in customers having to alter their methods across the interface, but additionally provides them time to handle issues by integrating any ubiquitous suggestions factors.
Google additionally follows the identical sample with loads of different options the place adjustments are previewed and out there as elective capabilities as a substitute of being crammed down the folks’s throats. A great instance could be Adaptive icons, which have been out there in Android since Android 12 however haven’t actually graduated to a degree of being a useful — and, extra importantly, flawless.
For these causes, it appears much less believable for Google to introduce these adjustments as a part of Android 16. As an alternative, what appears extra possible is that these will type the premise for a much bigger visible change coming our manner in Android 17.
Another excuse backing this assumption is that Google additionally had fewer months to work on Android 16, after initiating its developer preview program in October final 12 months. That normally occurred in February, and Google I/O could be when Google showcased potential options that will make it to the ultimate launch. As an alternative, affairs at Google are being sped up this 12 months — after an unreasonable delay in launching Android 15 final 12 months, and Android 16 is already in its ending levels.
So, it wouldn’t be mature of Google to ship out a characteristic with minimal testing and nearly no suggestions from builders or customers. What appears a relatively believable end result is that these options are introduced later within the 12 months as unique to the Pixel 10 collection, although Google hasn’t differentiated between gadgets based mostly on visible traits earlier than, and that doing so would possibly problem the open nature of Android.
The unpredictability stays
Whereas it appears unlikely for Google to make the leap so quickly, there are specific causes it would betray our expectations. Firstly, Google is engaged on a 3rd iteration of its Materials Design theming engine. “Expressive,” as we hear, is the guiding trait behind this refresh.
Android Authority says Google will familiarize builders with this idea on the I/O convention, hoping to encourage them to undertake these visible components to their apps. Not like Apple, which units strict requirements for the way iOS apps look, Google is extra lenient. That would imply builders could not undertake it for a number of extra Android iterations.
Nonetheless, for issues Google can management, such because the Settings menu or the Fast Settings or notifications on Android, it would carry this new interface sooner within the type of a brand new elective theme. Whether or not it’s as quickly as Google I/O within the coming months, Pixel 10’s launch within the second half of 2025, or with the Android 17 beta is what stays fully unclear.
The redesign is lengthy overdue
No matter how Google handles the roll-out, the recommended interface seems slick and fascinating. And I couldn’t assist however want Google hadn’t taken so lengthy with it. In comparison with different Android producers, the opaque sections in inventory Android positively look extra drab and discomforting. So, by adopting this interface, Android could be closing in on iOS alongside others similar to Samsung, Xiaomi, or OnePlus which have already opted for translucent backgrounds and easier icons. So, the wait is undoubtedly killing me.
On the plus aspect, although, stretching the discharge out provides Google ample time to check it out, refine, and allow third-party builders to combine related options. I simply want Google doesn’t go away one other challenge in limbo because it has achieved to the Adaptive icons or the Desktop mode in Android.