Android 16’s redesigned battery icons leak in line with Material 3 Expressive

As part of Google's upcoming Material 3 Expressive design language, which aims to improve both aesthetics and usability, Android 16 is set to introduce a new battery icon. The battery icon's dynamic color changes are part of this redesign, which can be seen in Android 16 Beta 3 and are in line with the system's broader visual updates. The Horizon Android's Core +6

A visual upgrade is the dynamic battery icon. The new battery icon in Android 16 changes color depending on the charging status of the device: Phandroid

White: When the device is not charging, it means there is enough battery left. Green indicates that the device is charging. Red indicates a low battery level when it is not being charged. In addition, the icon has been moved horizontally, and the text indicating the battery percentage is now displayed in a font that is bolder, making it easier to read. Android Security 🎨 Material 3 Expressive: A Comprehensive Redesign

The Material 3 Expressive redesign, which Google describes as its "most researched" design update to date, includes the battery icon update. This redesign was developed through 46 rounds of research with more than 18,000 participants. Its strategic use of color, shape, size, and motion aims to improve usability. The Verge

Enhancing visual appeal and ensuring that users of all ages are able to locate key interface elements more quickly are two of Material 3 Expressive's primary objectives. The redesign also aims to bridge usability gaps across different user demographics.

The Verge

Where We Are Now and Where We're Going Even though these changes are present in Android 16 Beta 3, they cannot be activated by default and must be done manually. This suggests that these features are still being tested by Google, and the initial stable release of Android 16 may not include them. They could, instead, be included in Android 17 or a subsequent quarterly update. Phandroid

Android supremacy The official unveiling of Material 3 Expressive and its associated features is expected during a dedicated session at Google I/O later this month.

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Implications for Developers and Users The dynamic battery icon improves the overall user experience by providing users with immediate visual cues about their device's charging status. For developers and designers, the broader Material 3 Expressive redesign provides new opportunities to create more intuitive and visually appealing applications.

Phandroid

As Android continues to evolve, these updates reflect Google's commitment to refining the user interface to meet the needs of a diverse user base.

In the wake of the official announcements made at Google I/O, keep an eye out for additional details.The Material 3-Expressive Battery Icons in Android 16 leak in line with them. Google’s Android 16 update is shaping up to be more than just a performance boost—it’s a major visual refresh that signals a shift in design priorities. Among the most talked-about leaks from the Android 16 beta builds is the redesigned battery icon. This new battery indicator is a small part of Google's larger Material 3 Expressive design overhaul. It makes even the tiniest interface components smarter and more intuitive by combining improved accessibility with aesthetic finesse. The Battery Icon Now Has a New Look The battery icon in the status bar has been redesigned in the most recent Android 16 Beta 3. The dynamic, color-changing icon in this new design is more than just a cosmetic change; it also gives clear visual clues about the battery's current state. The icon changes to white when it is fully charged or has enough power. When the device is charging, it turns green. And when the battery level is low, the icon turns red.

Google's renewed focus on accessibility is reflected in this change from a static, monochromatic battery icon to one that is dynamic. By allowing users to instantly identify battery conditions through color, the new design helps people—including those with visual processing difficulties—quickly assess power levels without having to read percentages.

Moreover, the icon itself is now horizontally aligned, and the percentage inside it is displayed in a bolder font. These small changes might seem subtle, but they contribute significantly to clarity and legibility, especially on high-resolution screens or in varying lighting conditions.

What is Material 3 Expressive?

Google's Material 3 Expressive is a much bigger puzzle than just the redesigned battery icon. This is the latest evolution of the Material Design language, which has been at the heart of Android’s visual identity for years. Material 3 Expressive goes a step further than previous iterations by placing stronger emphasis on motion, shape, and color to improve usability across a diverse user base.

According to reports, Google conducted 46 rounds of research and gathered insights from over 18,000 users to shape this redesign. The goal? To build a UI system that is not only visually pleasing but also intuitive and inclusive. Material 3 Expressive aims to address issues such as users' misidentification of visual elements or difficulty finding buttons, which is especially important for older users and those with accessibility needs. Material 3 Expressive is also designed to make interfaces feel “alive.” Transitions between screens are smoother, interactions feel more responsive, and key elements like buttons or notifications stand out more clearly. The updated battery icon is not just a visual change in this context; rather, it is part of a larger effort to create an interface that is emotionally engaging and functionally useful. When Will It Launch?

The redesigned battery icons have been spotted in Android 16 Beta 3, but they are not enabled by default. Instead, they need to be activated manually using developer tools or flags, which suggests that Google is still testing and improving the feature. While it is not guaranteed that this redesign will make it to the stable version of Android 16 at launch, it’s likely to appear in a later quarterly feature update or in Android 17.

During Google's annual I/O developer conference in May, Material 3 Expressive is anticipated to be officially demonstrated. If the reception is positive and the changes are stable, the battery icon redesign—and other Material 3 Expressive elements—could become the default across Android devices by late 2025.

Why it's important A battery icon may appear to be a minor component of the Android user interface at first glance. But these small changes often have a large impact. Numerous users check their battery icon frequently throughout the day. Making it clearer and more responsive enhances the overall Android experience. In addition, when viewed as part of the Material 3 Expressive vision, it exemplifies Google's shift toward designing for feeling, accessibility, and emotional connection in addition to functionality. This change is also a signal for app developers and designers to begin incorporating Material 3 Expressive guidelines into their apps. Apps that align with the system’s new design patterns will not only look more modern but also perform better in terms of usability.

Final Thoughts

Android 16’s redesigned battery icon is a small but powerful symbol of what’s coming. With Material 3 Expressive, Google is entering a new chapter in UI design—one that’s based on user feedback, emotional design, and accessibility. While we’re still waiting for the official release and confirmation, the early look at this updated icon paints a promising picture for Android’s future.

Whether you're a casual user, a developer, or a designer, these changes are worth watching. The future of Android is not just smart—it’s expressive.