Android and Wear OS Receive Major Visual Update with Material 3 Expressive 

Published: May 14, 2025, 1:21 AM 

Google has introduced Material 3 Expressive, a comprehensive redesign for Android and Wear OS aimed at enhancing user interactions, personalization, and ease of use. Announced during the Android Show on YouTube, this update is considered one of the most ambitious design overhauls in recent years.

Material 3 Expressive builds on the Material You design introduced in Android 12, taking it to new heights. Users can look forward to livelier animations, improved haptic feedback, and dynamic visual effects that respond in real-time as they use their devices. For example, swiping away a notification will cause nearby cards to react subtly, while adjusting the volume or opening the notification shade will reveal depth effects and motion that make the interface feel more interactive.

Key Features of Material 3 Expressive:

• Fluid Animations: Springy animations enhance interactions with notifications, sliders, and system elements.

• Blur Effects: Subtle blur effects for the notification shade and background layers.

• Dynamic Color Theming: Updated color themes across supported Google apps.

• Responsive Typography: Emphasized typography and layout adjustments.

• Customizable Quick Settings: Expanded options for user customization.

• Live Updates: New feature for progress-based notifications, such as delivery and rideshare tracking.

• Enhanced Wear OS UI: Improved glanceable elements optimized for round displays.

• Shape-Morphing Transitions: Dynamic color themes and transitions on smartwatches.

• Improved Battery Performance: Wear OS 6 offers up to 10% better efficiency.

This update arrives as Android 16 and Wear OS 6 are also set to launch significant visual and performance enhancements, putting Material 3 Expressive in competition with Apple’s anticipated iOS 19 redesign, which is rumored to focus on personalization and AI-driven features. Meanwhile, Samsung continues to evolve its One UI, which has a distinct visual style compared to Google’s native Android look.

The new design language will first be available on Pixel phones and Pixel Watch models later this year, with a wider rollout expected through Google’s OEM partners.

While the changes in animation and depth may seem minor, they significantly enhance the responsiveness and natural feel of devices in everyday use. For those seeking a more personalized experience, these updates promise to add character without compromising usability. If you enjoyed the aesthetics of Material You, this evolution could make Android feel more customized than ever.