Google is embarking on an innovative visual journey with Android 16, beginning with a comprehensive redesign of its default Phone app. This update, inspired by Material 3 Expressive, seeks to enhance and warm the user experience. The changes, currently in beta testing, reflect a minimalistic, Windows-centered design that harmonizes streamlined aesthetics with usability, all guided by user feedback.
What’s New in the Google Phone App Redesign?
- Simplified Bottom Navigation
- Home
- Keypad
- Voicemail
The previous filters for missed calls, spam, and contacts have been integrated into the Home tab, effectively reducing visual clutter.
- Redesigned Home Tab
- Now displays both recent call logs and favorite contacts in a cohesive layout.
- Calls from the same contact are listed individually, enhancing clarity and context.
- Dialer and Keypad Changes
- The Contacts tab has been entirely removed from the bottom navigation.
- The Keypad has been repositioned to the center, replacing the floating action button (FAB).
- The dialer no longer persists across different tabs, contributing to a cleaner user interface transition.
- Swipe Gesture Experiments
- Google is experimenting with new swipe gestures for:
- Answering calls
- Rejecting calls
These gestures aim to minimize accidental call handling while retrieving the phone from a pocket. As these interactions remain in the experimental phase, user feedback will be crucial for final implementation.
- Google is experimenting with new swipe gestures for:
Availability
The beta version of the Phone app is currently available to testers. A public rollout may occur prior to the official launch of Android 16, although specific dates have yet to be announced.
Final Thoughts
This update reflects Google’s commitment to creating uncluttered interfaces through the multifunctional redesign of the Phone app. With smarter answer and end call buttons, reduced distractions, and clearer call logs, the user experience is poised for improvement. During this beta testing phase, Google is actively seeking user input, making this redesign a collaborative effort towards the next evolution of Android’s user interface.