Android 16 to launch early with fresh design and smoother performance

Android users can expect an earlier release of Android 16 this year, with Google preparing a fresh rollout that combines better performance with a major redesign set to follow.

The first public beta is likely to land by mid-May, ahead of the annual Google I/O event, while the full version is expected to roll out later in the year.

Although early developer versions of the new Android update have already surfaced, testers have noticed that many of the visual improvements are yet to go live.

While Android 16 promises smoother performance, enhanced privacy tools, and faster user experience, much of the current attention is on its planned visual upgrades.

Testers using Beta 4, which is the last version before the full release, have pointed out that the interface still feels very similar to Android 15.

"For now, the operating system looks and feels a lot like Android 15. However, that’s likely to change soon as Google has confirmed it will unveil a more expressive version of its Material Design theme, called Material 3 Expressive, at this year’s developer conference," said one developer.

Though these new designs are not active by default in the current beta, hidden parts of the updated system already contain signs of what’s coming.

One of the most notable visual upgrades will be the use of blur effects in areas like Quick Settings and the Notifications panel.

In light mode, the update brings a frosted glass look, while dark mode will include transparent layers and soft grey colours for a cleaner look.

These effects give the interface a more modern style and help blend the background with the app in use.

For users in Kenya with popular mid-range phones such as Tecno, Infinix, and the Samsung A-series, these design changes will not only make the devices look better but also help them run faster and smoother.

The update includes improvements to battery performance, memory handling, and background app activity, which could be useful for people using older devices.

Other design improvements spotted include updates to status bar icons.

The new layout brings clearer symbols for Wi-Fi and mobile data, bolder icons for airplane mode and 5G, and a battery icon that changes colour depending on charge level.

Google is also adjusting how the lock screen appears.

The clock, date, and weather details will be moved around for better visibility, and a smaller notification shelf will help keep things tidy without hiding useful information.

The font for the clock has also been made bigger for easier reading, which could be helpful for people on the move or in busy environments.

Updates are also coming to the way users enter their PIN.

The new layout includes dynamic theming and a cleaner look for faster, easier access.

These small changes are part of a wider plan to make the system easier to use without adding unnecessary complexity.

Inside the Settings app, users can expect more colour and new menu designs.

Google is adding colourful icons, card-style sections, and updated switches to match the overall visual direction of Material 3 Expressive.

Volume and media controls are also getting a new appearance.

Instead of the thick sliders used in Android 15, Android 16 introduces slim, modern bars that better reflect Google’s new design style.

The media output menu, which helps users switch between Bluetooth devices and other audio outputs, has also been simplified for quicker use.

Privacy remains a big focus.

Android 16 will carry forward the Privacy Sandbox features, which give users more choice about what data apps can access.

Another major change is the addition of Health Connect, a new app that helps users safely share health and fitness data between apps.

This will be useful for Kenyan users using health-related apps or wearable devices.

For those who enjoy personalising their phone’s appearance, Google is adding new home screen icon shapes, including unique options like "four-sided cookie," "arch," and "complex clover."

These are not essential changes but offer more freedom to customise the device to personal taste, especially for younger or more playful users.

At the moment, most of these new features are not fully active in Beta 4.

However, they are expected to become available either through future updates or during the Google I/O 2025 conference, where more details will be shared.