Google’s Android 16 Developer Preview 1 has introduced a slick redesign to the humble QR code in the Wi-Fi sharing menu, swapping the rigid black-and-white squares for a softer, dynamic design inspired by Material You.
Gone are the blocky, utilitarian codes of Android 15 (RIP). Instead, when you head over to share a Wi-Fi network on Android 16, you’ll be greeted by an eye-catching QR code that matches your phone’s theme. Thanks to Material You’s dynamic color system, the QR code now feels like it belongs to your phone, not some random piece of tech from a decade ago. It’s a quirky, rounded, colorful piece of art, with shapes that seem to bubble and bend in ways that somehow feel… friendly?
Oh, and Android 16 didn’t stop there. Before the updated QR code even makes its grand appearance, it comes with a fancy animation.
At first glance, this might seem like a trivial change. After all, it’s just a QR code, right? But this redesign is part of Google’s ongoing mission to make every corner of Android feel personal and delightful. It’s these little moments of whimsy — like watching your Wi-Fi QR code animate into existence — that transform the mundane into something playful and memorable.
It’s also a nod to Android’s design philosophy with Material You, which prioritizes aesthetics that adapt to you. From your widgets to your system themes, and now your QR codes, Android wants every detail of your phone to reflect your vibe. This update, though small, brings more cohesion to the OS’s overall design language.
While this is a small glimpse of what Android 16 might bring, it sets the tone for Google’s commitment to refining the user experience. And hey, if a QR code can be this exciting, imagine what’s in store for other parts of the OS.
If you’re on the Developer Preview train, be sure to give this feature a spin. And if not, don’t worry — it’s just the start of what promises to be a colorful, fun journey into Android’s next chapter.
What do you think of the new design? Love it, or are you already missing the classic grid? Let us know.
Meanwhile, here’s a video showcasing the updated Wi-Fi share QR code design.
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