Android 17 "Cinnamon Bun" to Introduce System-Wide Frosted-Glass Blur
Android 17, internally codenamed "Cinnamon Bun," is anticipated to feature a significant visual redesign that includes system-wide blur effects. This update, confirmed by internal builds and system flags, aims to introduce a "frosted-glass" aesthetic across various user interface elements. Beyond visual changes, early details from an internal build also suggest updates to screen recording tools and other application functionalities. The first Android 17 Developer Preview is anticipated in early 2026.
System-Wide Blur Effects
The upcoming Android 17 operating system is expected to transition its user interface from solid light or dark backgrounds to a more translucent blur effect. This design choice is intended to reveal content, such as a user's wallpaper or app icons, immediately behind the actively interacting components.
This design choice is intended to reveal content, such as a user's wallpaper or app icons, immediately behind the actively interacting components.
Key system UI elements projected to incorporate this blur effect include:
- The volume slider and full volume sheets, replacing previous solid backgrounds.
- The power menu, featuring a translucent design with a noticeable background blur.
- The mode switcher.
- An updated three-dot overflow icon.
These blur effects will be dynamically tinted by the device's Dynamic Color theme, allowing them to integrate visually with the user's chosen background wallpaper and overall system theme.
Design Principles and Comparisons
This visual update builds upon design concepts introduced with Google's Material 3 Expressive language. Material 3 Expressive previously integrated subtle blurs into elements like the notification shade and Quick Settings panel, a feature introduced in Android 16 QPR1. The current expansion aims to create a sense of depth and a lightweight user interface.
While the new blur implementation has drawn comparisons to Apple's "Liquid Glass" effect, introduced in June of the previous year, Google's approach is described as more subtle.
User Control and Potential Impact
Android already includes a setting to disable blur effects, which was introduced in Android QPR2. This option is accessible via Settings > Accessibility > Color & Motion under 'Reduce blur effects,' and changes take effect immediately. The introduction of more extensive blur effects could potentially impact device battery life.
Additional Features Revealed
An internal Android 17 build has also provided details on other upcoming features:
Redesigned Screen Recording Tool
Activating screen recording will present a lighter interface with a floating pill control. Users will be able to select options such as recording device audio, microphone input, and displaying touches. A status bar indicator will show recording activity, and tapping it will restore the control pill. Post-recording, a preview screen will allow for sharing or editing, with support for doodling in multiple colors and access to settings.
'Lock App' Option
An unconfirmed 'Lock app' option, accessible by long-pressing applications, has been noted, though it is not yet fully implemented.
'Bubble' Feature Expansion
The 'Bubble' feature may be expanded beyond its current limitation to conversation-based applications.
Availability and Timeline
These new blur features are anticipated to debut on Pixel devices. It remains undetermined whether this translucency will extend beyond the core operating system to other Android phones, such as Samsung Galaxy devices, or to Google-branded applications. Similarly, it is unclear if new Material Design guidelines will promote these effects for third-party applications.
The first Android 17 Developer Preview is anticipated to be released in early 2026, which is expected to reveal these changes, primarily within system menus.