Google just made its first Android 16 quarterly update official.

Android 16 QPR1 kicked off our Material 3 Expressive journey in May, albeit in beta. Now, the highly-anticipated UI overhaul is making its way to users in stable, and it’s available on all Pixel 6 and newer Pixel devices, including the Pixel Tablet.

Material 3 Expressive design language on the Pixel Tablet.

Source: Google

The new design language, which has already made its way to several of Google’s core apps, should now grace the native Pixel launcher experience. For what it’s worth, the tech giant’s latest Pixel 10 series shipped with Android 16 QPR1 in stable, albeit with August’s patch. Said users should now be receiving the September patch.

For everyone else that didn’t hop on the beta train, the update should finally bring more background blur elements, redesigned status bar icons, new icon shapes, an updated Quick Settings panel, refreshed volume controls, and more. Most importantly, the update should also unlock Google’s new Apple-inspired Calling Cards. The same UI tweaks are also making their way to the Pixel Tablet.

Although not explicitly mentioned, expect the update to also address minor UI inconsistencies and patch some security vulnerabilities.

Screenshots highlighting Android 16 QPR1's UI elements.

Source: Google

This isn’t really connected to the expressive redesign, but the update will also unlock additional navigation functionality on your Pixel Watch. According to the tech giant, you can now simply start walking or cycling navigation on your phone and Google Maps’ UI will appear on your paired smartwatch, giving you turn-by-turn directions without you having to constantly look at your phone.

You can also now, simply start walking or biking navigation on your phone and Google Maps will automatically display on your smartwatch — which is great if you’re somewhere new and don’t want to keep pulling your phone out to look at directions. With this update, there’s no need to tap your watch or pull out your phone — enjoy automatic, hands-free guidance from your wrist.

The update is rolling out now. Depending on your carrier and device, the update should be available widely over the “next few weeks.”