Google Accidentally Reveals Material 3 ‘Expressive’ Design Ahead of I/O 2025

In a premature reveal ahead of the upcoming Google I/O 2025 conference, Google accidentally published a blog post detailing its next major design update for Android—Material 3 Expressive. Though the post was swiftly removed, it was archived by the Wayback Machine and reported by 9to5Mac, giving users an early look at what’s being described as a “bold new direction for design.”

What is Material 3 Expressive?

Material 3 Expressive, or M3 Expressive, is Google’s latest iteration of its open-source design language. It focuses on enhancing UI through colour, shape, motion, size, and containment, aiming to deliver a modern, clean, and engaging visual experience across Android apps.

One of the most noticeable changes includes a pill-shaped floating toolbar that partially overlays the screen, offering better interaction while maintaining background context. According to Google, these updates are intended to help users quickly identify key UI elements and improve overall navigation efficiency.

Key Features of M3 Expressive

Faster UI Recognition: Eye-tracking studies show users identified actions up to 4x faster than with the current Material 3.

Improved Usability: Larger tap targets, better color contrast, and streamlined grouping enhance accessibility and ease of use.

Emotion-Driven Design: Google tested visual elements against emotional traits like Playful, Energetic, and Friendly to craft a more intuitive user experience.

Inclusivity: The redesign reportedly eliminated age-related disparities in UI interaction, with users over 45 performing on par with younger users.

Modern Appeal: Products using M3 Expressive saw a 32% boost in perceived “coolness” and a 34% increase in modernity, reinforcing brand freshness.

Preference Over iOS Design

Google noted that users across age groups preferred M3 Expressive over the conventional non-expressive designs based on iOS Human Interface Guidelines. Despite its advantages, the company acknowledged a key challenge—user familiarity. Google plans to roll out the new design across more apps over the coming year to boost user adaptation.

Material 3 Expressive is expected to be officially introduced at the Google I/O 2025 conference later this month.