What you need to know
In a significant update, Google has revamped its Phone app, bidding farewell to the familiar Favorites tab that many users have relied upon for quick access to their most important contacts. This redesign is gradually rolling out to a broader audience, marking a notable shift in the app’s user interface and functionality.
The latest version, 182.0.779772896-publicbeta, has officially eliminated the Favorites tab, integrating favorite contacts into a streamlined row located at the top of the Recents tab. This adjustment condenses the layout, allowing users to see their call history and favorites in a single view. Observations from tech enthusiasts, including Nicholas Sutrich, reveal that this new arrangement has already appeared on devices such as the OnePlus 13.
However, the redesign comes with a caveat: the “Frequents” list has also been removed, meaning that users will no longer have easy access to their most frequently called contacts. While some may appreciate the cleaner aesthetic, others might find the absence of this feature a drawback.
The updated interface replaces the previous tabbed design with a single, scrollable list, reminiscent of the layout found in the Settings app. At the top of this new format, users will find their profile picture, name, and email address prominently displayed, remaining visible as they scroll through their call logs. For those managing multiple accounts, a convenient dropdown menu allows for seamless switching between profiles.
This redesign is being observed across various devices, including Google Pixel and Samsung smartphones operating on Android 16 and 16 QPR1, provided that Google Play services are updated to version 25.25.33.
