Android 16’s settings could get a massive redesign

We’ve already seen some of the changes Google is bringing to Android 16. But in addition to all the new features and improvements, Google could also make some design changes. According to Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority, Google could redesign the settings menu in Android 16.

Android 16’s settings submenu redesign

Google has been quietly experimenting with a new, more “expressive” design that enhances navigation and readability. The goal is to create a clearer visual distinction between various menu options. The enhancement will improve the way submenus are displayed in a card-like design.

According to Rahman’s report, while exploring Android 16 Beta 3, he spotted signs that Google is working on this updated Settings layout. He enabled the changes, which revealed a fresh new look, and it’s quite a departure from the current Android 15 design. Based on his observations, four major tweaks stand out in this Android 16’s settings redesign.

Google has refined the Material You toggles, giving the on/off switches a more distinct “X” or checkmark icon inside the handle. This change makes it clear whether a setting is enabled or disabled. Additionally, Google has introduced a new card-based layout, replacing the simple list with more distinctive-looking cards to improve readability and organization. This makes it easier to separate different sections at a glance.

New submenu indicators

There are also new submenu indicators, in the form of small arrow icons, that accompany settings and lead to additional pages. This makes it more obvious when a menu item has further options inside. Lastly, there are improvements for the header placement. Most settings pages now display the header at the very top by default, freeing up more space to show additional options immediately.

However, the main homepage of the Settings app remains largely unchanged from the Android 15 QPR1 update. This could mean that the changes will most likely apply to the submenus instead of the main menu.

That said, it’s unclear if this Android 16 settings redesign will launch with the stable release later this year. Google may choose to roll it out in a quarterly update post-launch or even hold it back until Android 17. There’s also another possibility that this new look never makes it past the testing phase.

We’ve seen Google test out new features in beta builds only to pull them back ahead of launch. Hopefully, Google moves forward with this design, as it makes navigating the Settings app much smoother and more visually structured. Google reportedly plans to release Android 16 in the middle of the year, earlier than previous Android versions.