What if Android’s visual identity looked to past design trends to reinvent itself? According to exclusive information from 9to5Google, Google is currently working on the integration of an advanced translucent blur effect in Android 17, strongly reminiscent of the “Liquid Glass” style recently popularized by Apple. Spotted in internal builds, this visual change would initially target Pixel devices.
A reimagined Material 3 legacy
Last year, Google introduced “Material 3 Expressive,” a major redesign of Android’s interface. Android 17 would not represent a shift of that magnitude, but rather a refinement. The most notable change would be the introduction of dynamic blur effects applied to various elements of the system UI.
In practical terms, components such as the volume bar, its slider, or the mode switcher would lose their solid light or dark backgrounds, allowing the wallpaper to subtly show through. The blur would be tinted according to the user’s dynamic color theme, creating a more cohesive and integrated look.
A subtle response to Apple
While comparisons to Apple’s Liquid Glass design are inevitable, Google appears to be taking a more restrained approach. The effect would be less pronounced and more closely aligned with the principles of Material Design. At this stage, it seems limited to system-level interface elements and would not extend to third-party apps, unlike Apple’s broader implementation in iOS.
An evolution, not a revolution
Reports suggest that only select interface components would receive this visual update. The rest of the system would remain largely unchanged. This gradual rollout indicates that Google is aiming to refine its visual language without disrupting user habits.
Questions remain about the future of this feature. Will Google extend it across the entire operating system and make it a core element of Material Expressive for app developers? Or will it remain a Pixel-exclusive enhancement limited to certain parts of the interface?
What comes next
If confirmed, this leak outlines a more fluid and modern take on Android 17, borrowing visual cues that currently define the success of competing platforms. Whether users will see it as genuine innovation or simply a passing design trend remains to be seen. Answers are likely to come this fall, during the official unveiling.
