Google is giving Android users a surprise taste of Android 16’s refreshed visual identity. The company has begun testing its new Material 3 Expressive design language in popular apps like Gmail and Google Messages.
The update is arriving for select users via server-side rollouts, showcasing a more colorful, adaptive, and engaging interface.
With Android 12, Google introduced Material You, a UI design focused on subtle personalization, like auto-theming based on your wallpaper.
It features:
- Vibrant, dynamic color schemes that feel more alive and expressive
- Richer animations and more intuitive transitions
- Enhanced visual hierarchy with redesigned buttons, cards, and typography
- Stronger personal identity through contextual theming and UI elements
This design direction aims to make apps feel more engaging and less sterile, with visual choices that adapt not just to your phone settings but also to your mood and habits.
Spotted in the Wild: Gmail Version 2025.05.11
The rollout was first spotted by Telegram user SparkRadar, who noticed the Material 3 Expressive design show up in Gmail version 2025.05.11.
They shared their findings with Android Authority, revealing a refreshed interface that aligns closely with what Android 16 is expected to bring later this year.
While the update hasn’t reached all users yet, it’s a clear sign that Google is already publicly testing aspects of Android 16’s UI.
Google Messages Gets a Visual Refresh
Gmail isn’t the only app getting a makeover. Google Messages is also receiving a similar Material 3 treatment, featuring more prominent color accents, refreshed chat bubbles, and refined typography.
Galaxy users running One UI 8.0, which will be based on Android 16, are expected to get the Material 3 Expressive look as well. This hints at greater consistency across OEMs, as Google and Samsung work more closely to bring a unified aesthetic to Android.
Though Android 16 remains under wraps, the early release of Material 3 Expressive shows how Google is shifting toward a modular and app-first design evolution.
