Google is quietly laying the groundwork for its next major AI initiative in Android 16 with two subtle, yet meaningful UI changes spotted in the QPR1 Beta 2 release. The latest beta reveals a revamped Pixel Launcher search bar and a slick new Gemini launch animation-both likely part of Google’s wider plan to make AI integration more seamless and visually polished across Android devices.
The redesigned search bar now resembles the one found in the Google app and Circle to Search. 
Gone is the familiar gradient ‘G’ logo layout. Instead, Google has rearranged the mic, Lens, and G icons to the left side, making room on the right for a new circular AI Mode button. It’s all packaged in a sleeker, pill-shaped container, giving the whole interface a more modern aesthetic.
Those using Themed icons will notice the search bar adapt to the Material You Dynamic Color system, ditching the classic red-blue-yellow-green combo. Despite the facelift, functionality remains unchanged-for now
. There’s currently no option to adjust the bar’s color, transparency, or remove it entirely.
Notably, this refreshed design is exclusive to U.S. users with access to Google’s experimental Search AI Mode. International users will continue to see the older search layout, though Google is expected to expand the rollout as AI Mode matures and spreads to more regions.
Also new is the Gemini launch animation. When long-pressing the power button, the screen gently shrinks with black borders appearing around the edges, followed by the Gemini overlay smoothly sliding into view. Once loaded, the screen returns to its original state, and haptic feedback-missing in some recent builds-makes a welcome return.
Both changes are being pushed via server-side updates, so availability may depend on your device, region, and settings. Google hasn’t confirmed when these tweaks will hit stable builds, but they reflect the company’s steady move toward a more AI-focused and user-friendly Android experience.
With Android 16 and Material 3 Expressive still in flux, we may see more refinements before the official launch. Whether these updates make their way to non-Pixel Android phones with the Google Search widget and Gemini remains to be seen, but they offer a glimpse at Google’s vision for the future of mobile AI.