What do you think of Android 16’s big redesign so far?

Google I/O’s big focus was, obviously, on AI, but Android 16 was also a big part of the event thanks to the release of the first QPR1 beta with the Material 3 Expressive redesign. What do you think of it so far?

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It was no secret that Android 16 was getting a redesign thanks to leaked builds floating around, but the mystery was long when it was going to debut thanks to very underwhelming beta releases for Android 16’s first stable launch. The curtain was finally lifted at last week’s Android Show and, this week, Google finally released the first builds that actually contain these new changes.

I’ve been using Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 on my Pixel 9 Pro Fold since Tuesday’s release, and it’s been going really well. The build is stable within reason, and visual bugs are to a minimum given how big of an update this is. There’s some misaligned text in notifications, apps that try to leverage the camera seem unstable in some cases, and I’ve noticed that notifications will occasionally go the opposite direction when swiped away. But, outside of that and some iffy battery life, it’s been a good experience thus far.

Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 hands-on: Finally, the big update we wanted [Video]

Aesthetically, I’m a big fan of the new design. Material 3 Expressive feels like Material You: The Sequel. The design language doesn’t really feel like anything else out there, but still feels super familiar. Plus, it’s opening the door to Google incorporating more features, like the wallpaper “Effects” that are super cool, but that I’ve yet to find the right subject for.

Google struck an impressive balance, and the platform itself just feels like the beginning.

But what do you think of Android 16’s redesign so far?

I have a feeling this design is going to be polarizing among Pixel fans, so where do you stand? Let’s discuss in the comments below.

This Week’s Top Stories

Google I/O Recap

I/O 2025 is in the books, with yet another AI-focused show revealing some honestly really impressive new announcements from Google. Check out the list below for everything announced.

Everything Google announced at I/O 2025: Gemini, Search, Android, and more

Google announces ‘AI Pro’ and new $250/month ‘Ultra’ subscription

Google shows Project Astra controlling your Android phone

Gemini app releases 2.5 Flash & Live camera on iPhone, 2.5 Pro Deep Think mode coming

Gemini (Live) coming to Google Chrome for Mac and Windows 

Google bringing Mariner browser agent to Gemini app with ‘Agent Mode’

Google expands AI Mode to all with Gmail integration and real-time camera access

Google Meet adding real-time speech interpreter, consumer beta today 

Flow is Google’s new AI video editing suite powered by Imagen 4 and Veo 3

Gmail getting personalized smart replies as Google Vids adds AI avatars 

Project Starline becomes Google Beam, debuts real-time translation

Google’s AI Mode will soon do the ‘tedious’ part of search for you in the background [Video]

Android XR glasses get I/O 2025 demo, Google partnering with Samsung & Warby Parker

Google AI wants to do all of your shopping with instant checkout and AI virtual try-on

Google Play Store is getting more helpful with ‘Topics,’ Collections is expanding

Google says Android 16’s new desktop mode builds on ‘the foundation of Samsung DeX’

Android Auto gets video and browser apps ‘soon,’ more weather apps finally coming

Google shows Android 16’s Live Updates with Maps, Uber Eats, rolling out ‘over the next year’ [Gallery]

Google TV apps will start showing pop-ups that beg you for ratings

Google TV partnering on ‘affordable & reliable’ televisions with low RAM

XREAL’s ‘Project Aura’ will be the second Android XR headset, more details in June

Google bringing Live Updates to Wear OS in 2026, more use cases coming

Google details desktop windowing on external displays, set for Android 16 QPR1 Beta

Google Home testing ‘Home Summary Widget’ for Pixel

A ‘more fun’ Google Play Store redesign might be coming 

NotebookLM Audio Overviews add ‘Length’ control as LearnLM infused into Gemini

Android 16 QPR1 – Everything new so far

As mentioned, the first Android 16 QPR1 Beta is here, and it’s the big one. There’s a ton new, so check out our full breakdown.

Everything new in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 [Gallery]

How to install the Android 16 QPR1 Beta on Google Pixel and try the big redesign

Android 16 QPR1 Beta redesigns Quick Settings on Pixel

Google shrinks Pixel’s At a Glance widget in Android 16 QPR1, but you still can’t turn it off

Android 16 QPR1 redesigns ‘Wallpaper & Style’ settings, revamps lock screen customization [Gallery]

Android 16 redesign updates Recents menu with drop-down options, better big-screen layout

Android 16 QPR1 delivers a colorful Settings app redesign [Gallery]

Android 16 QPR1 adds new notification shortcuts and lock screen layout

Google Pixel adding wallpaper shape and weather ‘Effects’ in Android 16 QPR1 [Gallery]

Google says Android 16’s new desktop mode builds on ‘the foundation of Samsung DeX’

Android 16 QPR1 volume slider redesign adds mini waveform, media player tweaks

Android 16’s new Quick Settings revives one-tap Do Not Disturb shortcut

Android 16 QPR1 brings back ‘Audio Sharing’ through Auracast, no Pixel Buds support yet

More Top Stories

Google launches NotebookLM app for Android and iOS

Someone ported the iconic pinball game from Windows XP to Android, and it’s free

Galaxy Z Fold 7 surfaces in hands-on leak, showing its much wider design

Google Pixel owners continue to report battery drain issues with May update

Google Wallet requiring authentication to even open the app after a few minutes

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