In May, Google introduced its new design language. The Material 3 Expressive redesigns have been gradually implemented in various Google apps, and here’s an overview of updates available on Android smartphones.
Currently Rolling Out
[New] Google Drive
The redesigned interface begins with a search bar, and the content display (list/grid) is consolidated into a larger container. A button group enables users to toggle between list and grid views.
[Updated] Gmail
The Gmail interface features a container for the email list and messages, and includes a noticeable pill-shaped animation with swipe gestures. The new search bar moves the hamburger menu and profile switcher outside the field for improved accessibility.
[Updated] Google Wallet
The app logo now replaces “Wallet” in the top-left corner, and the display of passes below the carousel utilizes thicker cards. Recent activity pages have been updated with new containers, and there’s a refined NFC tap-to-pay animation.
Digital Wellbeing Update
The main settings page for Digital Wellbeing has been refreshed with Material 3 Expressive design elements, introducing thicker containers and a modified donut graph. This current rollout is part of beta version 1.30.x.
Google Photos
This app now features a new backup indicator at the top, with an animation transitioning from a logo to a “Backup complete” notification. Users can still use the pull-to-refresh feature to view updates, with animated shapes indicating cloud storage usage.
Launched Features
[New] Google Contacts
The redesign simplifies the layout by placing all elements in containers and shortening the bottom bar, complemented by subtle color adjustments to the app background.
[New] Google Calendar
Google Calendar has introduced rounded containers for time slots in its various views (Day, Week, Month), replacing the previous faint lines with solid backgrounds using the primary Dynamic Color.
[New] Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
The editor interfaces have been updated to include a new Material 3 Expressive progress indicator during document loading. The apps now feature pill-shaped buttons and a thoroughly modernized Format sheet.
