Google is ushering in a fresh wave of design enhancements to its Google Messages app, a move that is set to delight millions of users, particularly those with Galaxy phones and tablets. The rollout of this more expressive design is already underway, and users may notice the changes the next time they access the app.
At the heart of this redesign is the new UI design language, Material 3 Expressive, which was first introduced during the Google I/O 2025 event in May. Following its initial appearance in select Google apps a few weeks ago, the revamped design has now made its way to Google Messages, reaching a broader audience across the globe. This new aesthetic emphasizes a container-centric approach, giving the app a more organized and visually appealing layout.
Upon opening the Google Messages app, users will find that all chat threads are now elegantly housed within rounded containers. This design choice enhances the overall user experience, as seen in the contrasting visuals of Dark and Light modes. Each chat thread is neatly encapsulated, providing a sense of structure and clarity.
Delving deeper into the chat interface, messages are similarly contained, while the top bar features convenient shortcuts for audio and video calling. The emoji picker has also been revamped, showcasing the Material 3 Expressive design language. The active tab is now presented in a pill shape, while the other tabs maintain a rectangular form, adding a touch of modernity to the user interface.
Enhanced User Experience
In a thoughtful redesign, the search bar for emojis has been repositioned below the tab bar, rather than beneath the message compose text field. This adjustment aims to streamline the user experience, reducing potential confusion when searching for emojis.
Furthermore, the Plus menu, which facilitates the addition of attachments to RCS messages, has undergone a transformation. The monochrome icons are now elegantly arranged within pill-shaped containers, organized in a grid format. Users will find icons for Gallery, GIFs, Stickers, Files, Location, Contacts, Schedule Send, and Selfie GIF, all of which occupy more space within the container compared to previous iterations.
In addition to the updates for Google Messages, Google is also rolling out enhancements to several other applications, including Google Clock, Google Contacts, Google Phone, Gmail, and Google Translate for Android devices. This comprehensive update reflects Google’s commitment to continually improving its suite of applications, ensuring a cohesive and user-friendly experience across its platforms.
