Why Android’s Bold New Look Isn’t Enough to Lure Gen Z Away from iPhones

Android is reinventing its look to appeal more to young users. The new design, dubbed "Material Three," is clearly targeted toward Gen Z, featuring vibrant colors like pink, purple, and coral. Google created this updated style to feel fresh and fun.

Despite this effort, Android faces a significant challenge: Apple’s iPhone. While Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system, the US market is dominated by Apple. In fact, a 2025 survey from Piper Sandler found that an astonishing 88% of teens own iPhones. A recent article from The Wall Street Journal highlighted how kids even face teasing for using Android phones, which are seen as outdated.

Google’s new design builds on a previous concept, "Material You," introduced with Android 12. This revamped version offers more customization, allowing users to tweak their screen colors based on their wallpaper. With bigger icons and bold fonts, Material Three aims to grab attention.

To create this update, Google conducted in-depth research, with 46 studies involving over 18,000 participants across various age groups. The feedback suggested that younger users found the designs visually appealing and were more inclined to switch to Android.

It’s not just about attracting youth. Google found that this new design helps older users, too, enhancing their experience on Android devices.

However, Google still faces an uphill battle. Even a striking design won’t change the fact that sending texts on Android often results in the dreaded green message bubble, distinguishing it from the blue bubbles of iMessage. Apple has effectively locked users into its ecosystem with features like iMessage, especially among families. Although Rich Communication Services (RCS) has improved cross-platform messaging, it doesn’t match iMessage yet.

While Material Three is a refreshing change, it may not be enough to significantly sway the market. Apple’s decision to open its iMessage and FaceTime apps could do more for Android’s popularity than any redesign.

Regulatory discussions are ongoing, aiming to address these competitive imbalances. Google’s design changes are positive but won’t resolve the core issues Android faces in the heavily Apple-influenced US market.

For more detailed insights on this matter, you can check out the research from Piper Sandler here and the analysis from The Wall Street Journal here.

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Android,Google,Mobile,Tech