Google to Unveil Hidden Android 16 UI Features at I/O Edition Show

Google will preview new interface elements of Android 16 on May 13 during its standalone event, "Android Show: I/O Edition," ahead of the main developer conference.

A report published Wednesday by Android Authority outlines several hidden user interface changes in the fourth beta of Android 16. The items include refreshed background blur effects, updated status bar symbols, a redesigned notification and quick‑settings panel, a revamped lock screen, a new volume control interface, an overhauled PIN lock screen, and a reorganized settings menu.

Though visible in the current beta, these features remain switched off by default. Google may withhold them from the initial stable release, rolling them out in follow‑up quarterly updates instead.

At this stage, the overall appearance of Android 16 closely mirrors that of its predecessor. The recent findings suggest a staged release strategy, with Google potentially unveiling the interface upgrades at the May showcase.

Last year’s Android 15 launch arrived behind schedule; the Pixel 9 series debuted on Android 14. The Pixel 10 lineup is now expected to ship with Android 16 when it reaches customers in the second half of 2025.

Android 16 beta access extends to several non‑Pixel devices, including OnePlus 13, Xiaomi 15, and vivo X200 models. However, each manufacturer’s stable version is likely to carry its own interface skin, limiting Google’s stock UI updates to Pixel and select devices.