Quick Summary
Google announced Android 16's Material 3 Expressive this week, but while it’s not due for a while, some new design elements have already appeared.
A Pixel Watch user has reported seeing new-style buttons in Google Calendar, where larger action icons can be seen at the bottom of the screen. They hug the display more than before.
Google announced Android 16's Material 3 Expressive during The Android Show: I/O Edition earlier this week, with a redesign that introduces more emotion to interfaces. It also potentially makes everything more engaging and a little easier to use.
Material 3 Expressive is due to arrive on Pixel devices first, including the Pixel Watch through Wear OS 6, but while it isn't due until later this year, Google is starting to quietly update some apps and tiles with the new design.
One of the key aspects of the new design is that the user interface on smartwatches will better embrace the round screen, with elements that "hug the display", such as arc-shaped buttons.
Where can you see the new Material 3 Expressive features?
As reported by 9to5Google, a Pixel Watch user has noticed those newly-designed buttons already, despite the software having only been announced this week. According to the report, the user spotted them on two Google Calendar Wear OS Tiles.
The first was Next Event, where the “Calendar” button curved into the bottom of the Pixel Watch’s display, and the second was Next Tasks, where the “More” button did the same. Previously, these two buttons were a smaller pill shape and harder to interact with than the new design offers.
The report on 9to5Google said the Google Calendar for Wear OS was updated to version 2025.18.1 today, though it wasn’t able to see the Expressive buttons live on the watches it tested. It’s therefore likely the rollout of the new design elements could be done in stages, so you may need to wait a little longer until it reaches your Pixel Watch 3.
We’re excited though – it’s a much nicer UI and it should make interacting with those smaller screens on your wrist significantly easier.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
3 PS5 Pro Enhanced games so good they make it worth the moneyJustifying the price of the PS5 Pro can be tough, but here are three games that give it a go
-
Boost lower body muscle and burn fat with this speedy 20 minute dumbbell workoutLeg day doesn’t have to be skipped, especially with quick, effective sessions like this
-
Gemini can help you avoid being scammed, says GoogleAnd there's a great new feature for finding lost items, devices and to check the location of loved ones, too
-
When will my phone get Android 16? Pixel, Samsung, Nothing, OnePlus – is yours on the list?Android 16 arrives earlier than previous updates, but when will your phone get it?
-
Google exec confirms Samsung XR headset launch date – and it's soonForget Android 16 – this is the news we all wanted
-
Android 16 launches today – 6 headline new features to look out forThere are some exciting new features coming in Android 16
-
Android 16 launch LIVE – all the latest on The Android Show and moreGoogle will detail Android 16 today, a week ahead of Google I/O – and we're covering it live
-
The Android Show I/O – how to watch the launch of Android 16 and discover new featuresGoogle will unveil its biggest Android update in years today – you can watch it right here
-
Massive Google blunder reveals the biggest design upgrade in Android historyA fresh new look could be coming to Android really soon
-
Android 16 gets a great new look, as shown by these leaked images
It's all change for Android with a major redesign incoming
