Google Photos Adds Floating Toolbar, Replacing Bottom Bar
▼ Summary
– Google Photos is moving from a bottom bar to a floating toolbar on iOS, aligning with most other Google Android apps.
– The new toolbar is a persistent, pill-shaped container that houses actions for Photos, Collections, and Create, with a search FAB on the right.
– It is designed to be a lightweight component placed high on the screen to avoid obscuring the image content below.
– According to guidelines, this floating toolbar is intended for frequently used page actions, not as a primary navigation replacement for the bottom bar.
– Google has previously used similar floating toolbars for navigation in apps like Chat, and the Photos update is currently visible only on iOS.
The latest update to Google Photos introduces a significant design shift, moving away from the familiar bottom bar to a new floating toolbar. This change, currently rolling out on iOS devices, places key actions in a persistent, pill-shaped container that sits higher on the screen. The redesign aims to improve content visibility while keeping frequently used functions easily accessible, marking a notable departure from the navigation pattern used in most other Google Android applications.
This new interface element consolidates options for Photos, Collections, and the Create feature. When you select a specific tab, a corresponding icon appears on the left side of the toolbar for clarity. On the right, a floating action button provides quick access to Search or the Ask feature. Unlike some interface elements that disappear as you scroll, this toolbar remains fixed in place. Its elevated position is a deliberate choice, ensuring that the photo gallery content below remains largely unobstructed and fully viewable.
It is important to understand that this floating toolbar is not intended to function as a direct navigation replacement for the traditional bottom bar, according to current design guidelines. Instead, its primary role is to host a set of contextual actions that are most relevant to the page you are viewing. For instance, in an email application, such a toolbar might offer buttons for archiving or deleting messages. A working example of this principle can already be seen within the Albums section of Google Photos itself.
Google has been experimenting with this floating toolbar concept for some time, having first implemented it in Google Chat roughly two years ago. Its adoption in Google Photos represents a continued evolution of this design language. The change is presently visible in version 7.63 of the app on iOS, and many observers are hopeful that it will be accompanied by updated official design specifications to guide future implementations.
(Source: 9to5Google)
