The Phone by Google app is undergoing a notable transformation as it reintroduces the Contacts tab to the bottom navigation bar, a feature that had been absent since last year. Currently, this update is available only to beta users, sparking curiosity about its broader rollout.
Details of the Update
- Users on platforms like GApps and Leaks Telegram have reported sightings of the Contacts tab returning to its original position at the bottom of the app interface.
- While the exact versions of the app used by these users remain unclear, the latest beta version (240.0.98) on a Pixel 9 has shown this feature.
- Previously, the Contacts tab was relocated to a sidebar, which many users found less convenient.
Despite the excitement surrounding this change, some users have not yet experienced the reappearance of the Contacts tab, indicating a gradual rollout of the update. For those eager to try it out, sideloading the latest public beta from APKMirror may be an option worth exploring.
In the current stable version of the Phone by Google app, users will find only two tabs at the bottom. Although the Contacts option remains accessible, it is now tucked away behind a sidebar menu in the top-left corner. Additionally, a Contacts chip is positioned just below the search bar, but it only displays recent calls filtered to show interactions with saved contacts.
The potential return of the Contacts tab between the Home and Keypad sections is a promising development, yet the timeline for a wider release remains uncertain as it is still confined to beta testing.
