Google Phone’s Major Redesign Now Rolling Out
▼ Summary
– Android 16 is generating hype with its new Material 3 Expressive design, already visible in apps like Gmail and Google Keep.
– The Google Phone app is receiving a major visual overhaul, introducing new call-answering options like “Single tap” and “Horizontal swipe.”
– The “Horizontal swipe” option features a pill-shaped slider with a phone icon, allowing users to swipe right to answer or left to decline calls.
– The in-call screen has been updated with bolder buttons, more prominent contact names, and easier-to-spot caller photos.
– The visual revamp includes card-style containers in the Recent tab, Favorites section, and dialer, with a gradual rollout via server-side updates.
Google’s Phone app is undergoing its most significant visual transformation in years, introducing sleek new design elements and improved functionality ahead of Android 16’s launch. The update brings Material 3 Expressive styling to the app, aligning it with Google’s evolving design language seen in other core applications like Gmail and Google Keep.
One of the most noticeable changes involves how users answer calls. Instead of the old vertical swipe gestures, there are now two distinct options: “Single tap” presents large, clearly labeled buttons for accepting or rejecting calls, while “Horizontal swipe” introduces a pill-shaped slider with intuitive directional movements. Swiping the central phone icon right answers the call, while left rejects it, a more modern and accessible approach compared to the previous up-and-down motions.
The in-call interface has also been refined, with bolder buttons, enhanced readability for contact names, and more prominent caller photos. The familiar four-tab navigation bar remains but now features a darker background for better contrast.
Beyond call handling, the app’s Recent tab has been redesigned with card-style entries, each displaying call logs in clean, rounded containers. This card-based layout extends to the Favorites section and dialer, creating a cohesive visual experience. While the number pad itself hasn’t changed, its background now sports rounded corners to match the refreshed aesthetic.
Currently, the update is rolling out gradually via a server-side push, with beta testers on version 180.0.771769344 among the first to experience the changes. The redesign marks a long-awaited modernization for Google’s Phone app, bringing it in line with competing dialer applications while maintaining its signature simplicity.
For users eager to try the new look, keeping the app updated through the Play Store increases the chances of receiving the refresh sooner. As Google continues refining its ecosystem, this update signals a stronger emphasis on visual consistency and user-friendly interactions across its software lineup.
(Source: Android Police)
