The recent release of Android 16 for Pixel phones has left many users, including myself, feeling underwhelmed. Google’s approach to rolling out this update as part of the June Pixel Drop seemed lackluster, burying the major OS update under a list of minor features.
One key disappointment is the absence of Material 3 Expressive, Google’s new design language, from the Android 16 release. While the update includes some new features like the VIP widget and Camera Education, the overall look and feel remain largely unchanged from Android 15.
Having tested the Android 16 beta on a Google Pixel 9, I did notice some Material 3 Expressive elements that added a fresh touch to the user experience. These subtle design changes, from fonts to icons, brought a sense of novelty that was missing in the official Android 16 release.
Despite these minor enhancements, the decision to reserve the full Material 3 Expressive experience for the upcoming Pixel 10 launch feels like a missed opportunity. Bringing all these design elements together could have made the Android 16 update more impactful for users, like myself, who expected a more significant visual overhaul.
As a Pixel 9 Pro user, I can’t help but view the Android 16 update as somewhat lackluster. While the new features are promising, the overall user interface fails to deliver the expected level of innovation and differentiation from its predecessor.
In conclusion, Google’s segmented approach to the Android 16 release may have its strategic reasons, but for users looking for a substantial visual refresh, the current update falls short of expectations. Hopefully, future updates will integrate the full Material 3 Expressive design language to provide a more cohesive and satisfying user experience.