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Google previews Android 16’s Material3 Expressive redesign in QPR1 beta

Available on Pixel 6 or later models, the beta lets users preview Google’s most researched design language with custom UI tweaks

Overview

  • The Android 16 QPR1 beta, released May 20, is available for Pixel 6 or later devices to test Material3 Expressive
  • The redesign adds background blur and transparency effects to the notifications shade, quick settings panel and app overview
  • Users can resize Quick Settings tiles to fit up to 16 toggles per screen and tap compact icons to reveal their labels
  • Magic Portrait brings customizable lock-screen frames, 3D depth effects and local weather overlays to user-selected images
  • Google plans to roll out a stable Android 16 update, potentially in September, with additional refinements and features