Oh, Great! Looks Like Android Is Using Liquid Glass Technology Now, Too.
When Apple introduced Liquid Glass to the public last June, it began a saga that continues to this day. The company toned down the effect’s intensity several times , and in November, it added controls to change its hue. Some people even found ways to disable Liquid Glass entirely . I wouldn’t choose to get involved in this quagmire, but it looks like that’s exactly what Android is planning.
According to “internal build images” seen by 9to5Google, the next Android update will add a significant amount of blur “across all of Android 17.”
“In an operating system, you can expect the UI to switch from a solid light or dark background to a blur effect that allows you to see what’s directly behind the component you’re interacting with,” writes Abner Lee of 9to5Google.
It reminds me a lot of Liquid Glass, and Lee confirms that elements like the volume rocker and mode switch will be translucent, allowing you to see the wallpaper and app icons in the background.
In fact, this isn’t Google’s first foray into transparency effects. In Android 16 QPR1, Google already added blur to the notification bar and quick settings. What’s new is that we can now expect this to be rolled out to other parts of the OS for a more harmonious look. So, if you weren’t already concerned about this, you don’t have to worry about opening your phone on Android 17’s release day and seeing a completely new interface.
Lee also notes that “compared to Liquid Glass on iOS, the new Android look is more subdued,” though some users will likely be more sensitive to it than others.
Personally, I didn’t particularly notice the blur, but even if you don’t mind its appearance, the effect can drain battery life a bit. Luckily, even before this feature was implemented system-wide, Android included a way to disable blur.
This feature was introduced in Android QPR2 specifically in response to the new effects (although it was technically available in Developer Options before). To enable it, open the Settings app, then go to Accessibility > Color & Motion . From there, tap Reduce Blur Effects . The change will take effect immediately, so you can immediately check which effect you prefer.
Like other new Android features, the blur effect will likely debut on Pixel devices first, and since Google is positioning it as part of its own Material 3 Expressive design language, it may not make it to Samsung Galaxy or other Android phones. Google-branded apps may be an exception, though Lee said it “remains to be seen” whether Google will add the blur effect to its own apps in addition to the operating system.