Google Messages continues to be one of the top texting applications available on Android devices, especially with the rise in RCS usage on the iPhone. Google is consistently fine-tuning the app’s user interface, making subtle adjustments along the way. As part of their efforts, the company has been experimenting with a Material 3 Expressive redesign while also refining the existing UI for users on stable versions.
In June, a significant update combined the camera and gallery buttons into a single icon. This change intended to streamline user experience, as tapping the new button would display the camera feed over recent gallery photos. Users could swipe up for a full gallery view, but this alteration was met with criticism.
Many users expressed dissatisfaction with the design on social media, particularly noting that accessing the gallery had become more complicated, with the camera display appearing unnecessarily in every instance. In response to this feedback, Google seems to be reverting one of its most criticized UI changes. Recent reports from users indicate that the app is returning to a layout with distinct buttons for ‘Camera’ and ‘Gallery.’
Now, tapping the ‘+’ icon in a chat presents separate options for users. These buttons are prioritized in the action tray before features such as GIFs and Stickers. While the combined camera/gallery shortcut remains available in the text field next to the emoji icon, users now have the flexibility to choose their preferred method.
However, this update has not rolled out widely yet. Many users, including those on the latest Google Pixel, are still awaiting the new interface, suggesting that Google is still refining the UI based on ongoing user feedback. Updates on the rollout will continue to be shared as they develop.
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