New leaks show Android 17 will get a fresh look with see-through, frosted-glass effects, copying Apple’s iOS 26 style called Liquid Glass. Pictures from leaker MysticLeaks (shared then deleted on Telegram) reveal blurry backgrounds everywhere.
https://x.com/pixeluibygoogle/status/2015901551437791335
This covers things like the notification panel, quick settings, power menu, volume control, and app shortcuts. Instead of solid colors taken from your wallpaper, everything now uses soft, blurry effects, similar to frosted glass.
A floating button will handle audio and mic controls, ditching old pop-ups. The screen recorder now lets you draw on videos and preview them before sharing. Notifications and quick settings will split into two panels, just like on iPhone. Android 16 added some blurs in spots like the lock screen. Android 17 takes it further across the whole system. But it’s not as wild as iOS 26’s strong glass look.
Apple’s Liquid Glass split opinions last year. Some love its shiny, clear vibe—like old Windows 7 effects. Others hate it: hurts eyes, slows the phone, drains battery, and stresses the graphics chip. Android 16’s Material 3 design got big thumbs up from fans and experts for being fun and bold. Now, Android 17 copies iOS more, but keeps most features the same. It’s a small update in functions, big in looks.
Google may keep the blur effects soft so it does not run into the same issues Apple faced. If done well, this could make Android look more beautiful and more in line with premium phones. Tech sites like Android Authority say the design looks good, but they also warn that it feels a bit too similar to iOS.
Users reaction on X (Twitter) to the announcement showed a mix of suggestions, criticism, and excitement.
One user pointed out a missing feature and asked if Pixel phones will finally show real-time internet speed, something that is already available on phones from Vivo and Xiaomi.
https://x.com/kartik19ganesh/status/2016015726587580464
Others raised security concerns, arguing that quick settings should not be accessible when the phone is locked and that powering off a Pixel device should require a password. They pointed out that such protections help make Samsung phones popular worldwide and felt Google needs to strengthen Pixel security.
https://x.com/iamoscar008/status/2016025722205122754
At the same time, not all reactions were critical—some users simply expressed enthusiasm, saying Android 17 looks great and praising the new design direction.
https://x.com/davidnestico200/status/2015902435445805119
There are still open questions. Will this new look still feel like Android, or will it seem like a copy of the iPhone? Google’s custom color system from Material You might help blend the new design into Android’s own style.
Android 17 is expected to launch later in 2026. With this update, Google is taking a chance on a glass-like design to stand out, even if it borrows ideas from others.
