Gmail’s Material 3 Widget Gets a Fresh New Look
▼ Summary
– Google has updated the Gmail for Android homescreen widget with Material 3 Expressive design changes.
– The main visual change is a pill-shaped floating action button for composing emails, replacing the previous rounded square.
– The redesign shrinks the header and reduces side padding, allowing for an extra line of text and more visible subject lines.
– This update was included in the Gmail for Android app release from last month (version 2025.12.01).
– Gmail now joins other updated Google Workspace widgets like Calendar and Drive in this Material 3 modernization.
Google has rolled out a visual refresh for the Gmail homescreen widget on Android, implementing the latest Material 3 Expressive design language. This update brings the app’s widget in line with other Google Workspace tools, offering a cleaner and more space-efficient interface for users. The most noticeable change involves the floating action button, which is now a distinctive pill shape instead of a rounded square. This adjustment not only modernizes the look but also creates a more cohesive visual experience across Google’s ecosystem.
The redesign has practical benefits beyond aesthetics. By altering the button and adjusting the layout, Google has managed to shrink the widget’s header section. This change allows for the inclusion of a small Gmail icon next to the folder name, such as “Inbox,” on most widget sizes. More importantly, the space saved translates directly to an additional line of visible email text at the bottom of the widget. Users can now see more of their messages without needing to expand or open the app.
Further refinements enhance readability. Google has reduced the padding on the left and right edges of the widget. This subtle tweak means that more of each email’s subject line and preview text is displayed within the same amount of screen real estate. For anyone who relies on the widget for a quick glance at their correspondence, this means less scrolling and more immediate information at a glance.
This updated widget began appearing for users following the release of Gmail for Android version 2025.12.01 last month. It represents a straightforward modernization effort, bringing Gmail’s external interface up to date with Google’s current design philosophy. With this move, Gmail joins other recently refreshed Workspace widgets like Google Calendar and Google Drive. Notably, apps such as Google Keep have yet to receive similar updates, and many users feel that Google Tasks, in particular, would benefit greatly from a comparable visual and functional overhaul.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
