Excitement is building for Android 16, which promises to be a significant update for Google. This version will not only introduce new features but also implement a major design shift known as Material 3 Expressive. Users may have already noticed elements of this change in various apps, including Gmail and Google Keep. Now, it’s the Google Phone app’s turn to receive a notable visual overhaul before the official Android 16 launch.
Android Authority has highlighted this significant refresh in the Google Phone app. In an effort to enhance user experience, the app now offers two main options for answering calls: “Single tap” or “Horizontal swipe.” The tap option presents users with large “Answer” and “Decline” buttons for quick decision-making. Conversely, the swipe option features a pill-shaped slider with a phone icon positioned in the center. Users can swipe right to accept a call or left to decline it.
Traditionally, users had to swipe up to answer calls and swipe down to reject them. While the app maintained a minimalist design for a long time, it had begun to seem outdated compared to more visually appealing dialer apps on the market. This new update breathes fresh life into the Google Phone app, making it feel more modern. The in-call screen also sees improvements, featuring bolder buttons and more prominent contact names.
Caller photos are now easier to locate, and although the four-tab bar remains unchanged, it sports a darker background. Visual upgrades extend beyond the in-call interface. The Recent tab now features a cleaner background and rounded edges, with call log entries appearing in card-style containers. This design approach is consistent across the Favorites section and dialer as well.
Although the number pad itself remains unchanged, its backdrop has adopted rounded corners for a cohesive look. The new Material 3 Expressive design began rolling out last month through a server-side update, particularly for users on the latest beta version, promising exciting changes are on the way.
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