Pixel Launcher search bar loses M3 Expressive
9to5Google • • general
Key Points:
- The Android 16 QPR3 March update removes the Material 3 Expressive (M3) search bar from the Pixel Launcher homescreen, reverting to an older, more cluttered design with all icons placed in a single container.
- The previous M3 Expressive search bar featured a separated layout with the ‘G’ logo, microphone, Lens, and AI Mode shortcut distinctly arranged, which was considered a cleaner and more user-friendly design.
- A functional update allows users to long-press the search bar to customize the AI Mode shortcut with various options like Live, Translate, Song Search, Weather, and more, or disable it entirely.
- This redesign aligns the Pixel Launcher’s search bar with the Google app’s Search homescreen widget,
