Google is giving its Phone app a major visual refresh with the rollout of the Material 3 Expressive redesign. The update also adds new ways to answer calls, like “Horizontal swipe” and “Single tap” gestures. The redesign is starting to roll out to users in the beta channel with version 180 of the app.
The overall layout stays the same with a four-tab bottom bar, but the background is now darker. In the Recents tab, calls now appear in rectangular cards with rounded corners. This new look extends across the app, including in Favorites and on the dialer.
Filters like All, Missed, Contacts, Non-Spam, and Spam also get a new look, dropping their outlined design for solid shapes.
One of the standout features is the new “Incoming call gesture” menu, where users can choose between swiping or tapping to answer calls. The incoming call screen also now features smooth Material 3 scalloped shapes that gently rotate until action is taken. Urgent and Message buttons are now in pill-shaped containers for a cleaner look.
During live calls, circular buttons have been replaced with rounded rectangles that change shape when selected. The End Call button is also bigger and easier to press.
For now, this update is available to beta testers only and is rolling out gradually through a server-side update. A wider release is expected in the coming weeks as Google continues to bring Material 3 design to more of its apps.
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