Google received a bit forward of itself and by chance printed a weblog publish concerning the huge upcoming Android redesign. It appears recent, trendy, and playful—excellent for the present design developments. However there is a large drawback: will sufficient individuals really get to see it?
“Materials 3 Expressive” was alleged to be introduced at Google I/O this month, however the weblog publish that has since been pulled gave us an early look. This can be the largest redesign Android has seen since Materials Design launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop. It appears to be geared towards younger individuals, they usually’d most likely actually adore it. That is not sufficient, although.
Google Would not Management Android’s Aesthetic
Many Android followers are excited concerning the Materials Design 3 leak. It is vivid, daring, splashy, and enjoyable in a approach that is very completely different from different trendy working methods. Google goes all in on trendy design developments. The issue is that this is not the brand new design for Android—it is the brand new design for Android on Pixel telephones.
Samsung’s One UI is one other trendy working system, and whereas it is based mostly on the identical model of Android that Pixel telephones use, it appears utterly completely different. One UI subtly adapts to every new model of Android, however the total image may be very clearly a Samsung product. For probably the most half, Google’s design decisions keep on Google units.
The factor is, it is all the time been this manner, and but we nonetheless discuss it as if it is going to have an effect on the platform as a complete. All of the headlines about “Android’s New Design” aren’t deliberately deceptive, however they’re inaccurate nonetheless. Google does not determine what Android appears like on Samsung Galaxy telephones, Motorola telephones, OnePlus telephones, or some other system with out the Google “G” emblem on the again.
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Pixel Telephones are Nonetheless a Minority
None of this could matter if it weren’t for one very massive elephant within the room: market share. Android is the working system on over 70% of mobile devices worldwide, in comparison with 27% on iOS. That is phenomenal, but it surely does not inform the entire story.
As of April 2025, Samsung accounted for round 23% of mobile devices sold worldwide, placing them solely behind Apple at round 27%. The place was Google and its Pixel units? All the way in which down round a measly 2%. Virtually each different firm making cell units was forward of Google.
The story isn’t much better for Google in the U.S. Google sits at 4.5%, whereas Apple has a a lot bigger piece of the pie at round 58%, and Samsung is holding regular at 23%. The actual fact of the matter is that only a few individuals are seeing Android as Google envisions it. All these headlines about “Android New Design” can be a greater match for the brand new replace to Samsung’s One UI.
Google is Preventing an Uphill Battle
The cruel actuality is that Google’s intentions to draw younger individuals to Android with a vivid, splashy, trendy design are doomed earlier than even reaching the runway. Google is battling one thing that app-makers always cope with: the “community impact.”
That is one thing we frequently see with messaging and social media providers. When a product positive factors numerous customers, the standard of its options begins to matter much less. Folks begin to really feel “locked in,” and no matter how a lot better one thing else is likely to be, the act of transferring turns into a deterrent.
Google can design the best-looking working system on the planet—possibly it already has—however that solely goes to this point. Will a purple theme and enjoyable fonts get somebody to ditch iMessage? Will squiggly progress bars and stretchy clocks persuade somebody to go away the comforts of a Samsung Galaxy cellphone?
On the brilliant aspect, Materials Design 3 appears implausible—and I do not usually use that phrase. Positive, I feel calling it the brand new look of Android is unrealistic, however nice design does not go fully unnoticed. Perhaps it will get just a few extra individuals to succeed in for a Pixel as an alternative of a Galaxy cellphone in service shops. Regardless of the case could also be, Google is shouting from the rooftops, and I simply can’t assist however surprise how many individuals are listening.
Supply: 9to5Google
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