Google Phone App Redesigned, Users Divided on Update

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

Google recently rolled out the Material 3 Expressive redesign update for its Android Phone app, bringing a refreshed look to the dialer. The familiar, streamlined layout has been replaced with larger, fewer buttons. While some users have criticized the update as “blocky and oversized,” others appreciate and enjoy the new interface.

Google Phone App Update: Key Changes

Favourites Tab Removed: One of the most noticeable changes in the latest update is the removal of the Favourites tab. Starred contacts are now integrated into the Home tab and appear in a bar above the recent calls list, streamlining access without a separate section.
Contacts Tab Disappears: The traditional Contacts tab is no longer available in the updated app. Instead, users can now access their contacts exclusively through the search bar within the Phone app, marking a shift in how contact navigation is handled.
Voicemail Tab Removed: The separate Voicemail tab has been eliminated in the new update.
Redesigned Button Layout: The in-call screen now features pill-shaped buttons that expand into rounded rectangles when tapped. All buttons, including the end call button, are noticeably larger than before.
Keypad Relocated: The keypad button, previously a floating button, is now a dedicated tab positioned next to the Home tab.
Call Categorisation Introduced: Calls are now organised into categories such as All Calls, Missed Calls, Calls from Contacts, Non-Spam, and Spam.
Updated Incoming Call Screen: The Incoming call screen has been refreshed, allowing users to answer or decline calls via horizontal swipe or single tap. This preference can be set in the new “Incoming Call Gesture” option under Settings.

Gradual Rollout of Google’s Material 3 Expressive Redesign Across Apps

This update is part of Google’s Material 3 Expressive redesign, first introduced during Google’s Android I/O event. While the full redesign is still in progress, Google has been gradually rolling out the Material 3 Expressive update across several apps over the past few weeks. Apps that have already received the update include Google Phone, Google Notes, Google Photos, Gmail, Google Meet, Google Wallet, and Google TV. Additional apps are expected to receive updates in the coming weeks.

Conclusion:

The Material 3 Expressive redesign refreshes the Android Phone app’s interface while aligning it with Google’s broader app ecosystem. With mobile payment apps like Google Wallet — a key mobile payment tool — already receiving the redesign, the update reflects Google’s push for consistency and usability across its services.

Source: https://www.business-standard.com/

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting