Android’s Material 3 Expressive Redesign May Soon Bring a Horizontal Volume Slider


Android’s Material 3 Expressive redesign is changing how users interact with their devices — from the lock screen to the notification shade — and now, even the volume slider is getting a makeover. While Google has already introduced minor tweaks in Android 16, it seems the company is preparing an even bigger shift that could make Android’s volume controls feel more in line with iOS.

The Evolution of Android’s Volume Slider

Material 3 introduced several subtle improvements to the volume slider, including:

  • Replacing the dot at the top with a stream icon.

  • Making the slider bar slightly less rounded.

  • Turning the menu icon into a waveform when music is playing.

  • Adding a subtle bounce effect when the slider reaches its limits.

Now, Google seems to be preparing a horizontal volume slider layout that appears at the top-center of the screen in landscape mode, very similar to Apple’s iOS implementation.

Why a Horizontal Layout Makes Sense

The current vertical slider works well in portrait mode but can block content during gaming sessions or while watching videos. A top-centered horizontal slider would solve this by freeing up space and making volume controls less intrusive.

Google is experimenting with this feature in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, where developers have found a new layout file named volume_dialog_horizontal. Although the feature isn’t active yet (the system flag is still set to vertical), its presence strongly suggests a near-future rollout.

Major UI changes often come alongside big OS updates, and it’s always smart to prepare your device ahead of time. If you plan to upgrade to Android 16 when it officially rolls out, using a reliable simple transfer solution can ensure you don’t lose anything in the process.

This is where Smart Transfer comes in. Smart Transfer is a third-party WhatsApp backup transfer app that lets you easily move photos, videos, contacts, messages, and other files between devices — even across platforms like Android and iOS. This wifi content transfer app uses secure Wi-Fi transfers, so you don’t need cables or cloud storage, and everything happens quickly and reliably.

Preparing your data now means you can enjoy Android 16’s new features, like the redesigned horizontal volume slider, without worrying about losing important information.

What to Expect from the Update

When this feature finally goes live, you can expect:

  • A top-centered horizontal volume slider in landscape mode.

  • The same core elements as the vertical version, including sound mode icons, the main slider, and a menu button.

  • Support for multiple sliders when multiple streams are active (such as Auracast broadcasts).

That said, this feature may not appear on all devices, particularly larger tablets where a horizontal slider might be harder to reach.

Final Thoughts

Google’s work on a horizontal volume slider is yet another sign of the company’s commitment to refining Android’s UI. While subtle, this change could dramatically improve usability during gaming, streaming, or multitasking.

With Android 16 shaping up to be a significant update, now is the time to back up your data and get ready — and Smart Transfer is an easy, reliable way to do it.


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