Google brings Android 16’s Material 3 Expressive design to older Pixel Pixel phones

Google’s September Pixel Drop extended the Material 3 Expressive interface to older devices Wednesday, bringing the colorful design language from flagship Pixel 10 phones to every Pixel released since 2021.The update changes how users navigate their phones through new animations, updated color schemes, and additional customization options. Pixel 6 owners and newer can add animated weather effects to lock screens, create custom calling cards for contacts, and use redesigned Quick Settings that pull colors from wallpapers. The update also includes desktop mode capabilities for supported devices.Material 3 Expressive marks a shift from Android’s previous minimal design approach, though Google had already introduced the interface on Pixel 10 devices last month.Gboard now includes AI-powered text editing that works across all Android apps, not just Pixel devices. Users can adjust writing tone for different contexts—formal language for work or casual phrasing for personal messages—while grammar checking identifies errors before sending.Google also updated Androidify to let users create Android mascots from selfies using its Gemini AI models. The Emoji Kitchen feature adds browsing tools and a favorites section for saved emoji combinations.The AI processing runs locally on devices rather than sending text to Google’s servers.Android devices with LE Audio support can now connect two sets of Bluetooth headphones to one phone simultaneously. Users can share audio content or create group listening experiences using QR codes to invite others.Pixel Buds Pro 2 will receive Adaptive Audio later this month, which adjusts music volume based on surrounding noise levels. The earbuds will also support gesture controls for answering calls and include hearing protection against sudden loud sounds.The features begin rolling out today for Pixel 6 through Pixel 10 series and Pixel Tablet, with other Android devices receiving updates over the coming weeks.