Pixel Launcher search bar gets a ‘redesign’ in Android 17 Beta 1
Source: 9to5Google
Overview
Just two days after Google pulled back its scheduled Android 17 rollout, the Android 17 Beta 1 update is now publicly available. While the update doesn’t overhaul the OS’s look, it does bring a notable change to the Pixel Launcher’s search bar.
Pixel Launcher Search Bar Redesign
The new search bar is based on the design the Google Search app used for its custom widget in Android 15. Unlike the generic search bar that appears on most Android devices, the Pixel‑specific version is exclusive to Pixel phones.
During the Android 16 update, the Pixel Launcher search bar was redesigned to match the 2025 Google Search widget, featuring a Material You‑inspired background, a search pill, and an AI Mode shortcut. Android 17 Beta 1 reverts this design, removing the colorful backing in favor of a slightly transparent pill that still offers AI Mode, Google Lens, and voice search.
Old vs. New
Old vs. New design
Transparency and Color Options
The new design is custom, similar to the old Google Search app widget. Its settings have changed: the Google Search app no longer offers a “Device” theming option. Instead, the “System” theme applies Material You colors to the “G” logo with multiple hues rather than a solid background.
Transparency and color options appear to work on some devices running Android 17 Beta 1, but not on all.
Future Outlook
It’s unclear whether this regression will remain in later Android 17 releases. The change mirrors what Google did to the Pixel Launcher search function in the November 2025 Feature Drop, swapping a Material You sheet for a more dated Google Search app experience. Google noted that the new look makes AI Mode more easily accessible.
The new Pixel Launcher search bar in this first beta iteration doesn’t look bad, though it still feels like a whiplash for longtime users.
Further Reading
- Here’s everything new in Android 17 Beta 1 (Gallery)
- Google is now rolling out Android 17 Beta 1 for Pixel
- Google cancels today’s Android 17 Beta 1 release
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