Leaked Redesign of Google Clock Highlights Evolution of Material You with ‘Expressive’ Features

Screenshots of the Google Clock app, showcasing a Material 3 Expressive redesign, have surfaced online. This updated version of the app includes minor design enhancements like a new font, larger buttons, and a more user-friendly interface. Google plans to fully utilize Jetpack Compose for constructing the app, which promises a smoother experience. Upcoming at the Google I/O event on May 20, 2025, Google is set to introduce the next iteration of its Material You design language.

Rather than a complete visual overhaul, the Material 3 Expressive update aims to make apps more expressive. Recent leaks allow us to preview how one of Google’s first-party applications will transform post-update. The shared screenshots reveal significant changes in the Google Clock app’s design. Most notably, the floating action buttons are now larger, and some icons have been replaced by text buttons.

Additionally, color coding has been incorporated to highlight active alarms, improving instant differentiation from inactive ones. This contrasts with the current method, which relies on bold text to indicate active alarms. Other subtle modifications include the repositioning of the stop/start button for the timer within the circular dial and the introduction of new preset timer options of 5, 10, 30, and 45 minutes. While the bottom tabs retain their positions, minor renaming has occurred—”Clock” is now referred to as “World Clock,” and “Timer” has been renamed “Timers.”

While these updates may not appear dramatic individually, they collectively refresh the UI and have the potential to enhance user experience. The increased button size is particularly notable, making it easier for users to engage with the app. Moreover, the leaker indicates that the entire Clock app will be built using Jetpack Compose. Other apps receiving the “Expressive” design may undergo similar improvements.

Anticipation builds for the official unveiling at Google I/O, with rumors suggesting insights may arrive during a pre-recorded segment on May 13, taking place one week before the conference.