Android 16’s New Battery Icon May Change How You Monitor Charge Levels

Google is experimenting with a new battery icon in Android 16 Beta 3. The icon changes colors based on charging status and battery level, adding a dynamic touch to the status bar.

Android 16 Beta 3 hides a redesigned status bar that updates more than just the battery icon. Google is also tweaking the Wi-Fi signal indicator and other UI elements. While these changes are present in the beta, they aren’t officially enabled yet. Google could introduce them later in Android 16 or even push them back to Android 17.

The new battery icon adapts to your device’s charge. It turns white when your phone has enough battery and isn’t charging. It switches to green when plugged in and charging. When your battery runs low, it turns red to signal urgency. The percentage text also appears bolder than in Android 15, making it easier to read at a glance.

Alongside the changes to the icon, Android 16 Beta 3 includes additional refinements. Google is testing transparent notification alerts and moving the Pixel’s lock screen clock to the notification shade. The update also introduces iPhone-like battery health monitoring, offering details on battery capacity and tips to slow degradation.

Since the new battery icon is hidden in the beta, users won’t see it immediately. It might roll out with the stable Android 16 release, or it could be delayed for a future update, possibly Android 17.