Google is sticking with its own design vision and won't bring Apple's Liquid Glass aesthetic to Pixel smartphones, according to Android president Sameer Samat. When shown a mockup of a translucent Android device, Samat dismissed it outright: "Not happening! Y'all are wild." The reaction came after a teaser video for The Android Show: I/O sparked rumors that Google would copy Apple's new design language.

While Liquid Glass launched across Apple's entire ecosystem in iOS 26, other Android manufacturers have already borrowed elements. Oppo, Xiaomi, and even Samsung have implemented their own versions of the translucent design. Google has relied on Material Design since 2014, most recently rolling out Material 3 Expressive in 2025 with springy animations and dynamic colors.

Despite rejecting Liquid Glass, Google isn't shying away from translucency entirely. Rumors suggest Android 17 will feature enhanced blur effects for a flatter, frosted glass appearance. The company will share more details about the next Android version during its May 12 event, where it's expected to showcase new design elements that stay true to its own vision.

For now, Pixel users can expect Google to double down on its established design principles rather than follow Apple's lead.