Google Phone Updates Bottom Bar to Match Material 3
Google is testing a smaller bottom navigation bar in Phone by Google, aligning its design with Material 3 Expressive. This update arrives shortly after the company introduced its Call Reason feature, and it aims to create a more consistent experience across Google’s first-party apps. Users in the beta program may notice the change, though it’s not yet widely available due to server-side rollout controls.
The redesign focuses on the dialer, which received a major Material 3 Expressive overhaul earlier this year. While the previous tall bottom bar remained from older Google design guidelines, the latest update shrinks it to better match M3’s aesthetic standards.
Beta Version Brings Subtle Navigation Tweaks
The change appears in beta version 202.0.838486605 of Phone by Google. Google has adjusted the bottom bar without impacting core functionality, keeping touch targets the same size while slightly narrowing the pill-shaped tab indicator. Label text colors have also been refined to match Material 3 guidelines, making the interface cleaner and visually more cohesive.
Although this update is minor, it represents Google’s ongoing push to unify design language across apps. Material 3 Expressive emphasizes visual consistency and a more modern interface, and Phone by Google is now catching up with other first-party apps like Messages and Contacts.
Consistency Across Google’s App Ecosystem
One key reason for the redesign is to maintain consistency across Google’s app ecosystem. Users often switch between multiple Google apps daily, and subtle inconsistencies in navigation bars can create a fragmented experience. By resizing the bottom bar, Google ensures that all apps follow the same visual language, improving usability and making the interface feel more intuitive.
Focus on Visual Simplicity
The narrower bottom bar aligns with Google’s goal of creating a less cluttered interface. Material 3 Expressive emphasizes simplicity without sacrificing functionality, and this update reflects that philosophy. While users may not notice dramatic changes in functionality, the visual update helps the app feel lighter and more approachable.
No Major Impact on Functionality
Importantly, the update does not affect how users interact with the app. All core actions, such as dialing, searching contacts, or accessing call history, remain unchanged. Google has carefully preserved touch targets to avoid any usability issues, showing that this redesign prioritizes aesthetics while keeping functionality intact.
Gradual Server-Side Rollout
This update is part of a server-side rollout, which means that not all users will see it immediately. Google often uses this approach to test changes with a limited audience before wider deployment. Beta testers are currently the primary group experiencing the new bottom bar, giving Google valuable feedback on its look and feel.
Material 3 Expressive: A Modern Approach
Material 3 Expressive is Google’s latest design language, focusing on adaptive layouts, enhanced animations, and visual consistency across devices. By shrinking the bottom bar and refining colors and indicators, Google ensures Phone by Google aligns with these modern principles. This design strategy is particularly useful for users on larger screens or devices where screen real estate is at a premium.
Subtle Yet Significant Updates
Although the update might seem small, it contributes to a cohesive user experience. Consistent design helps reduce cognitive load, making it easier for users to navigate multiple apps without confusion. These subtle updates demonstrate Google’s attention to detail, reinforcing why Material 3 Expressive continues to shape the company’s app design philosophy.
Future Updates to Phone by Google
This update could be a sign of more changes to come in Phone by Google. With the company increasingly adopting Material 3 Expressive across apps, we may see additional tweaks to icons, buttons, and other interface elements. Google’s design team appears focused on creating a unified experience that feels familiar yet modern.
What Users Can Expect
For now, users can expect a cleaner look in the dialer with a slightly narrower bottom bar and improved visual consistency. While the change may not affect daily interactions significantly, it enhances the overall aesthetic and reinforces Google’s commitment to Material 3 Expressive standards. Wider rollout is likely in the coming months as server-side testing concludes.
Google Phone’s new bottom bar is a small but meaningful step toward a more cohesive, visually consistent app ecosystem. By adhering to Material 3 Expressive principles, Google ensures that its apps not only function efficiently but also look and feel modern, intuitive, and user-friendly.
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