Blur Effects Extend Beyond Notifications
Android 16 marked a turning point for Google’s design approach with the introduction of Material 3 Expressive, which added subtle translucency to the notification shade, lock screen, and app drawer. Android 17 appears to take this concept further by applying blur effects to additional system-level controls.
According to the leaked images, both the volume menu and the pop-up volume slider now feature a frosted glass-like background. The blur dynamically adapts to light and dark themes, allowing background elements to remain visible while keeping controls legible.
Power Menu and System UI Also Affected
In addition to volume controls, other screenshots shared by tipsters show translucency in the power menu, indicating that blur may become a consistent visual element across Android 17. This aligns with broader UI trends seen across mobile platforms, where layered transparency is increasingly used to add depth.
However, unlike heavy glass-like effects seen in some competing ecosystems, Google’s approach appears restrained, retaining Android’s clean and functional identity while enhancing visual polish.
Early Builds, Features Still Subject to Change
It is important to note that all leaked images originate from work-in-progress Android 17 builds. Google routinely tests and refines visual elements throughout the development cycle, meaning some of these blur effects could be modified or removed before the final public release.
Historically, Google has adjusted design features based on performance impact, user feedback, and device compatibility. Blur effects, while visually appealing, can be resource-intensive on lower-end hardware.
User Reactions and Design Direction
Initial reactions from the Android community appear mixed. While many users welcome a more modern and refined interface, others express concerns about excessive visual effects impacting clarity or battery efficiency.
Google has not officially commented on the leaked visuals, but the continued evolution of Material 3 Expressive suggests the company remains committed to refining Android’s visual identity without abandoning its usability-first philosophy.
What This Means for Android in 2026
If these changes make it to the final release, Android 17 could represent one of the most visually cohesive updates in recent years. By extending blur effects to frequently used system controls, Google may succeed in making Android feel more fluid and contemporary.
As Android continues to evolve, the challenge will lie in balancing aesthetics with performance, especially across the wide range of devices that rely on the operating system.
