In May, Google unveiled its new design language, known as Material 3 Expressive. Since then, this visually engaging redesign has been gradually rolling out across various Google apps on Android devices. In this article, we’ll explore the latest features, updates, and what’s still to come with the new Material 3 Expressive design.
For a comprehensive overview, refer to our table detailing what’s new and updated in the latest versions of Google apps. Below, we highlight some of the most notable changes.
The latest redesign of Google Drive introduces a streamlined search app bar, while the list/grid content view is now contained within a single large area for better organization. Users will find a connected button group for easily switching between list and grid views. Additionally, your list of emails and messages are now housed in a designated container, accompanied by a pill-shaped animation that enhances swipe gestures.
Gmail has also adopted the new search app bar, moving the hamburger button and profile switcher outside the search field, which has been widened for improved usability. The previous 'Wallet' label in the top-left corner has been replaced with the app logo. Below the carousel, you’ll find a list of passes displayed on thicker cards, while the recent activity page now features updated containers for a cleaner look. The NFC tap-to-pay animation has also received a Material 3 Expressive makeover.
The main page of the Digital Wellbeing app, found within Settings, has been refreshed with the new Material 3 Expressive design. Key updates include thicker containers and a more pronounced donut graph, rolling out with beta version 1.30.x.
Google Photos now sports a new backup indicator at the top of the app, replacing the previous "Google Photos" label. Upon launching, users are greeted with a logo that animates into a “Backup complete” notification. The app also features a pull-to-refresh gesture that reveals cycling Material 3 Expressive shapes against a backdrop indicating cloud storage status.
The Google One app has undergone a significant redesign, featuring a shorter bottom navigation bar and more prominent container placements for cards and settings. Infographics have been removed for a more streamlined user experience.
Perhaps the most notable transformation is in the Phone by Google app, which has embraced Material 3 Expressive for a complete overhaul. The bottom navigation bar has been simplified from four tabs to three. The Favorites and Recents tabs have been combined into a new “Home” tab. A new “Keypad” tab replaces the floating action button (FAB), while the Voicemail section remains unchanged. Contacts are now easily accessible via a navigation drawer, and incoming and in-call screens feature updated buttons with larger touch targets.
In Google Keep, the redesign includes the new Material 3 Expressive search app bar, which moves the hamburger button and profile switcher outside of the search bar, now thicker for better usability. The notes page has also been updated, with all buttons organized into containers for improved accessibility.
The Google Messages app features a fresh design where conversations and message threads are now placed within rounded containers. The ‘plus’ menu has been redesigned, showcasing options in pill-shaped buttons, while the overall app layout has been simplified for better user experience.
In Google Calendar, time slots for hours and days are now visually represented within their own rounded containers across different views (Day, Week, Month), replacing the faint lines from earlier versions. This redesign makes use of a solid background layer in the primary Dynamic Color theme.
The Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps have received updates that focus on the editor interface. A new Material 3 Expressive progress indicator has been introduced, along with pill-shaped buttons throughout the apps. The formatting options have also been modernized, featuring a split button component for easier navigation.
Google Meet has become the first app to fully implement the Material 3 Expressive redesign. On the homepage, each call is displayed within a large card, reflecting M3E’s focus on container usage. The pre-call screen features oversized voice and video call buttons, enhancing visibility and usability. Important details such as the name, picture, and email address of the contact you’re calling are now prominently displayed in a pill-shaped format at the top.
As Google continues to roll out its Material 3 Expressive design language across its suite of applications, users can expect a more cohesive and visually appealing experience. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available!
