Google changes the look of Android, all the news

With Material You Expressive, Google introduces a new aesthetic for Android that is even more lively, customizable and oriented towards young people, focusing on bright colors, dynamic animations and an improved user experience to compete with the visual appeal of iOS.

Google has formally announced a major evolution in Android design, introducing a new visual language called Material You Expressive. After a premature release in the past few days by mistake, the company has now officially unveiled this new style, which will be included in the next beta version of Android 16, expected by the end of the month. Material You Expressive represents an evolution of the “Material You” design introduced with Android 12. The new version adopts an even more lively and dynamic aesthetic, characterized by fluid animations, bold typography and a bright and customizable color palette. The language is aimed in particular at a young audience, offering a fresh, engaging and highly expressive visual interface.

Among the new features integrated, we note the support for the Live Updates function, already tested in the previous betas of Android 16. This function allows you to view real-time updates through a persistent notification, similar to Apple's "Live Activities" function. Unlike the latter, however, its use in Android is limited to apps for food delivery, navigation and transport services. Live Updates will be visible on various surfaces of the interface: lock screen, always-on display, status bar and notification curtain. This integration aims to improve the user experience in managing time-sensitive activities. The Quick Settings area will also receive an update, offering the ability to resize and rearrange icons, in an approach that recalls some features of the iOS interface.

The heart of the update, however, remains the revamped visual language. App designers will have access to new icon shapes, typographic styles, and color schemes. Animations have been redesigned to be more “elastic” and responsive, with integrated haptic feedback to emphasize user interactions. Google emphasizes that this is not a simple restyling, but an overhaul aimed at improving usability and visual attention. The bold hues, including deep purples and bright pinks, are designed to capture the eye and respond to the taste of a generation accustomed to immersive visual experiences.

According to data shared by the company, up to 87% of users in the 18-24 age group show a preference for expressive designs, such as the one proposed in this new version. With this move, Google aims to make Android more competitive even among a young user base, historically more tied to the Apple world, especially in the United States. Although the new design represents a decisive step towards greater customization and modernity, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to change the consolidated preferences of the younger audience.