Google teases Android 16 redesign as new Clock app leaks in first images

In recent years, the designs of Android and iOS have moved ever closer. However, the two operating systems should differ more than ever after the release of Android 16 and iOS 19 later this year. Officially, Apple has not confirmed details of its next iPhone operating system yet. Nonetheless, leaks point towards the company introducing rounded app icons and new UI elements, among other changes.

By contrast, Google has now provided a brief look at some of the design tweaks planned for Android 16, which is expected to land later this season. Pulled but not before its contents were clipped up and reposted online, Google's 'Material 3 Expressive' design language is said to be the result of 46 studies from over 18,000 participants. Apparently, Android's more playful look is not just for simplicity's sake too, rather than just for aesthetics.

It is worth stressing that Material 3 Expressive will not necessarily reflect what Android 16 will eventually look like. With that being said, this year's OS release will likely draw on Google's latest design language in areas. For example, Google has redesigned its Clock app for Android 16 with Material 3 Expressive in mind. Ultimately though, the redesign is far less out there than some of Google's concepts. As it stands, all Google Tensor-powered devices should receive Android 16 from the Pixel 6 onwards (curr. $299.99 on Amazon).