Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Since its release this past September, Google’s Material 3 Expressive UI has quickly become my favorite Android skin around. The bouncy, responsive animations, big buttons, and distinctive shapes/colors result in an Android interface I love spending time with — and it’s a big reason I carry a Pixel every day instead of an Android phone from another brand.
However, that could all be in danger.
A new look at Android 17 suggests Google’s next big Android update may draw heavily on iOS 26 and its controversial Liquid Glass UI. And if true, Google could risk throwing away what makes Material 3 Expressive so great.
Do you think Android 17 is at risk of becoming too much like iOS? 110 votes No, the new blur/glass effects aren't that big of a deal 51 % Yes, Google is taking too much Apple inspiration 49 %
The problem with this Android 17 leak
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
Earlier this week, leaked Android 17 screenshots revealed that the update is going all-in on transparent/glass-like UI effects. Android 16 already features some translucency in the app drawer and Quick Settings, and Android 17 is apparently continuing what Google started there. Per this leak, Android 17 is adding that blurred glass effect to the volume bar, volume menu, and the power menu.
Looking at these changes in the screenshots below, I’ll be the first to admit that — from a purely visual standpoint — they’re fine; I’d even call them great. Google isn’t fundamentally changing how these UI elements work. Instead, it’s just adding some polish and visual flair to match the volume and power interfaces to the blur effects that already exist in Android 16.
Apple’s Liquid Glass design language in iOS 26 is distinct and easily recognizable. Just as Android brands release hardware that looks like the iPhone, it makes sense for companies to adapt parts of their software to mimic iOS features. If some extra blur effects are what it takes to make current iPhone users more comfortable with the idea of switching to Android, that’s fine — especially when the execution looks as good as it does.
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