Google redesigns Android with Material 3 Expressive: its new dynamic and personalized design language

Google has introduced Material 3 Expressive, its new design language for Android devices. This update builds on the Material You design presented by the company nearly four years ago, adding new customization options, more fluid and natural animations, and interactions, to provide a tailored and dynamic experience.

The first to receive these updates will be Pixel devices, but this will not occur until the end of the year. Google has assured that it is working with its partners to integrate more design improvements into its Android 16 devices and Wear OS 6.

Material Design just leveled up! 🚀 M3 Expressive is here to help you build more engaging, easy-to-use products. ✨ Dive into the details → https://t.co/802u9Zb2cD#TheAndroidShow #MaterialDesign pic.twitter.com/lPtIMJaXCQ

— Google Design (@GoogleDesign) May 13, 2025

What’s new in Material 3 expressive for phones and tablets

The new design language of Material 3 Expressive reinvents the appearance and usability of Android mobiles and tablets thanks to a series of innovations that make them more human, personalized, and accessible. Among the main updates, the following stand out:

• More natural and dynamic animation system: the movement of elements on your screen becomes more fluid and coordinated. For instance, if you dismiss a notification by swiping it away, the other notifications will respond with a slight drag movement.
• New dynamic color themes: Google has included new color combinations in its selection of color themes.
• Flexible typography: Material 3 Expressive offers 30 typographic styles and the possibility to modify their dimensions, achieving a personal and adapted aesthetic.
• Expanded shape library: 35 new shape designs and shape transformations have been added that you can apply to the design of certain elements or functions of your device.
• Customization of “Quick Settings”: you will be able to include more actions in your Quick Settings menu to more easily access the most relevant capabilities of your device.
• “Live Updates” feature: designed so you can quickly and effectively track progress notifications from certain delivery, travel, or navigation applications. For example, if you place an order on Uber Eats, you will receive a live update on the status of your delivery.

Google has stated that it is “working to incorporate these visual options into Google applications such as Google Photos, Fitbit, and Gmail“.

Redesigning the experience on Smartwatches

Material 3 Expressive adapts the design of visual elements of smartwatches to the curvature of the round screen, giving prominence to it and creating more fluid and natural sensations of movement and activity. “As you scroll, the lists animate to offer you a sense of depth that facilitates access to information“, explains Google.

Reactive movement has also been applied to the numeric keypad and multimedia control of the devices. Additionally, the overall design offers smooth transitions where the elements adapt to the screen space, providing an appropriate visual composition. This is complemented by the new visible button system, which allows them to expand to cover the entire screen.

Another new feature is the option to select a dynamic color theme that will apply to your smartwatch’s entire system.

Photo: Google