Google Phone App Update: New Interface and Features

Google is refreshing its Phone app with a new interface designed to enhance user experience by making it easier to find contacts and manage calls. The update is currently being rolled out to some of Google’s public beta users and includes style changes that align with Android’s more modern design language.

Changes to the Bottom Menu Bar

One of the most noticeable changes is the revamped bottom menu bar. The previous tabs labeled “Favorites,” “Recents,” “Contacts,” and “Voicemail” have been simplified to just three options: “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” Under the new Home tab, users will find their favorite contacts displayed in bubbles at the top of the screen. Below this, a call log list is presented, which no longer nests calls from the same person under a single entry. This means that each call will appear as a new entry, even if it is from the same contact, such as a parent calling multiple times in succession.

New Gesture for Answering Calls

In addition to the interface changes, Google is experimenting with a new gesture that allows users to swipe horizontally to answer or decline a call. This feature is being tested based on user feedback, which suggests that it may help prevent accidental declines or answers when retrieving the phone from a pocket.

Visual Updates in the App

The update also brings visual enhancements to the app. The incoming call page now features a more whimsical design, framing the contact in a lumpy circle, which adds a playful touch to the user interface.

Material 3 Expressive Redesign

Earlier this month, Google released an update without including its significant Material 3 Expressive redesign, which is now being integrated into the app. This redesign aims to provide a more cohesive and visually appealing experience across Android applications.

Additional Features for Pixel Phones

Furthermore, Google has introduced new features specifically for Pixel phones that allow users to view more details about their favorite contacts. This includes information such as their location, call history, and personal notes, enhancing the overall functionality of the Phone app.

For more information on the latest updates, visit test is gradually rolling out. To learn about the design changes that align with Android’s new aesthetic, check out youthful Material 3 Expressive. For details on the Material 3 Expressive redesign, see expected to roll out in September. Additionally, for insights into the new features available for Pixel users, refer to introduced a new “Pixel VIP” widget.