Google’s Material 3 Expressive UI rolls out to Pixel 6 and newer

Google has spent the last few weeks hyping up its new Pixel 10 phones, which are very nice devices. They're just not a big leap over last year's phones. If you've decided to hang onto your Android phone a bit longer, there are some new goodies headed your way. If you've got a Pixel, Google's revamped Material 3 Expressive interface is rolling out.

Google's Pixel Drop updates, which arrive quarterly, are not quite a new version of Android, but they include more than the bug fixes and security patches you get in other monthly updates. The September Pixel Drop (previously tested as Android 16 QPR1) is beginning its rollout today with one big change and a few little ones.

At the top of the list is the new Material 3 Expressive interface. Google revealed Material 3 in May, promising it would come to Android 16 phones later, but it didn't intend to include it with the initial OS release. Indeed, Android 16 launched without Material 3 earlier this summer. Google's new Pixel 10 series shipped with the new UI, and now more of the Pixel lineup is following.

Google says it's adding Material 3 Expressive to all of its phones from the Pixel 6 onward. This interface makes better use of theme colors, which are automatically extracted from your wallpaper. Google also included more bouncy animations, resizable quick settings, custom call screens, and more. While Google didn't mention it, the new update should also have the new desktop mode experience.

Pixel phones are also getting a few more features for connected accessories. Later this month, Google will enable Adaptive Audio on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. This will allow the buds to adjust volume based on ambient noise levels. If you've got an Android smartwatch paired with your Pixel, Google Maps will open automatically when you begin navigation on your phone.