Google is undergoing a redesign of its Phone app, which has led to the removal of the Favorites tab. This change may catch users off guard, especially those who relied on this feature for quick access to contacts like family or frequently called places, such as local pizza shops. If you’ve opened the app recently, you might have noticed the Favorites tab is no longer part of the bottom menu.
According to 9to5Google, in the latest beta version (v182) of the Phone app, the Favorites tab has been eliminated as part of a broader redesign that is gradually reaching some users. While not everyone is experiencing this change yet, it is being rolled out to a select group. The starred contacts that used to populate the Favorites tab can now be found at the top of the Recents list, which is being rebranded as “Home.”
This adjustment is more than just a minor update; it is a step toward a significant visual refresh linked to Google’s Material 3 Expressive initiative, which is anticipated to play a vital role in Android 16. The overall aim is to streamline the app’s interface, with the main navigation being simplified to include only “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” Features previously seen in Recents, such as the “Missed” or “Spam” filters, will now be integrated into the new Home tab.
With this update, the Home tab will host both your favorite contacts and your full call history. Additionally, the call log will feature a cleaner design with calls displayed in rounded boxes. There are also plans to introduce a new swipe gesture for answering calls.
While some users may find these changes unsettling due to the long-standing presence of the Favorites tab, Google aims to reduce redundancy by combining features that overlap. This redesign appears to be on track for a broader rollout across Pixel and non-Google devices soon.
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