Android 16 is here, but its big redesign isn’t ready

Android 16 has been released, but its major Material 3 Expressive redesign is not yet available.
The redesign, which includes updated icon shapes and animations, is expected to launch on September 3rd, 2025.
Live Updates with progress-centric notifications are now available in Android 16, but users will have to wait for another update to see the full feature realized.
A new desktop mode is planned for a September launch, which will allow users to resize app windows and connect devices to external displays for a desktop-like experience.
Android’s desktop mode is currently available in the Android 16 beta for Pixel 8 and up, but other users may have to wait a few more months for the feature to roll out widely.

Google rolled out a bunch of new features with Android 16 on Tuesday, but the company appears to be saving its big Material 3 Expressive redesign for a future update. The update doesn’t feature the design language’s revamped elements, and a source tells Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman that Google is planning to launch the new look on September 3rd, 2025, instead.

With Android 16, Google is starting to roll out support for Live Updates with progress-centric notifications and enhanced settings for users with hearing aids. The updates are coming to Pixel devices first, but according to Google, Android users will have to wait for another update to see Live Updates “fully realized.”

Google officially took the wraps off Material 3 Expressive following a leak last month, which features updates to icon shapes, type styles, and color palettes with “more natural, springy animations” across the Android interface. You can still check out some Material 3 Expressive updates in the Android 16 QPR1 beta that’s available now, but Rahman notes that Google plans on launching more design updates in the next Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.

Google is expected to include Android’s desktop mode in a September launch as well. The new mode, which builds on Samsung’s DeX platform, optimizes apps and content for large-screen devices. It will allow you to resize multiple app windows across your screens, as well as connect phones and tablets to external displays for a desktop-like experience. Users with a Pixel 8 and up can try out these features in the Android 16 beta, but the rest of us will likely have to wait a few more months.

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Q. When is Google planning to launch its big Material 3 Expressive redesign?

A. September 3rd, 2025.

Q. What features does Android 16 bring to users with hearing aids?

A. Enhanced settings for users with hearing aids.

Q. Which devices will receive Live Updates first?

A. Pixel devices.

Q. When can users expect to see Live Updates fully realized?

A. After another update.

Q. What is the new desktop mode that Google is expected to launch in September?

A. Android’s desktop mode, which builds on Samsung’s DeX platform.

Q. How will the new desktop mode work?

A. It will allow you to resize multiple app windows across your screens and connect phones and tablets to external displays for a desktop-like experience.

Q. Which Pixel devices can users try out the new features in the Android 16 beta?

A. Pixel 8 and up.

Q. What is Material 3 Expressive, and what changes does it bring to the Android interface?

A. It’s an updated design language that features more natural, springy animations across the Android interface, including updates to icon shapes, type styles, and color palettes.

Q. Will users with a Pixel 8 and up be able to try out the new desktop mode in September?

A. Yes, they will be able to try it out.

Q. When can users expect to see more design updates from Material 3 Expressive in the next Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2?

A. In the next Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2 update.