Google is currently experimenting with a notable alteration to its Phone app, which may signal the phasing out of a long-standing feature. Users of certain Pixel 8 Pro devices, specifically those operating on version 178.0.765584175-publicbeta, have observed the removal of the dedicated Favorites tab. In this new iteration, favorite contacts are now prominently displayed in a horizontal row at the top of the Recents screen, echoing the design choices of various other dialer applications that feature shortcuts for frequently contacted individuals.
This change was first highlighted by a Telegram user, @h_muc, who shared their findings through screenshots showcasing both the existing user interface and the proposed redesign. The updated layout eliminates the Favorites tab entirely, replacing it with pinned favorites at the top of the Recents tab, followed by a list of the most recent calls. Additionally, a new Add button has been introduced at the end of the contact row, likely providing users with a direct link to their contact list for adding more favorites.
Another significant alteration accompanying this redesign is the absence of the frequent contacts section, which previously resided beneath the favorites in the old layout. Its fate remains uncertain; it is unclear whether this feature has been entirely removed or simply relocated within the app.
The new layout presents a cleaner aesthetic, yet it may leave some users feeling discontented, particularly those who appreciated having distinct spaces for both favorites and frequent contacts. As the rollout of this change is still in its testing phase, the extent of its implementation across devices remains to be seen. Observers will be keen to monitor whether this layout ultimately becomes the standard for all users.
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