Google has been steadily progressing towards a more refined Android experience, and with the anticipated arrival of Android 16, the company is unveiling a bold redesign of its default Phone app. This update embraces the Material 3 Expressive design language, marking a significant evolution in user interface that, while overdue, feels like a natural progression for those following Google’s design journey. However, the changes extend beyond mere aesthetics; Google is removing certain features, reorganizing tabs, and reimagining user interaction with the dialer—an undertaking that carries both risk and refreshment.
Google Phone app: What’s Gone (and What’s Just Moved)
Users will immediately notice a streamlined interface with fewer tabs. The previous layout, which included Contacts, Recent, Voicemail, Keypad, and Spam, has been condensed to just three primary options at the bottom: Home, Keypad, and Voicemail. This shift raises the question: where did everything else go? The Home tab now takes on additional responsibilities, housing favorite contacts and recent calls, while also incorporating filters for missed calls, spam, and more. While some users may appreciate this consolidation, others might find it introduces a different kind of clutter. Notably, the absence of the Contacts tab could be a point of contention for many.
A Dialer That Finally Knows Its Place
The floating action button for the dialer has been eliminated, with the Keypad now occupying its own dedicated tab at the center of the interface. This change, while seemingly minor, significantly alters the app’s rhythm. The redesign aims to minimize visual noise, resulting in a cleaner look. However, it may also disrupt the muscle memory of users accustomed to the previous version. Whether this trade-off is worthwhile depends on individual preferences for aesthetics versus speed.
Calls Now Stack Up Separately
Another subtle yet impactful modification is the way calls from the same contact are now displayed individually, rather than grouped into a single expandable log. This adjustment could enhance clarity for some users, although it may lead to longer scrolling—again, a matter of personal preference. Some may find this change frustrating, while others might not even notice it. An intriguing and experimental addition is a new swipe gesture for answering or rejecting calls, currently in beta. Google is open to feedback on this feature, which aims to reduce accidental swipes—an all-too-common occurrence when fumbling for the phone. Whether this gesture feels intuitive remains to be seen.
Not Just for Android 16 — Yet
While this update aligns with the broader design language of Android 16, it is technically already live in beta. This means that some users may experience the new design before the official Android 16 rollout. However, the change is not yet widespread, indicating that Google is cautiously testing the waters. The Phone app, while seemingly mundane, is one of the most frequently used applications on Android, making any misstep here highly noticeable.
What’s the Bigger Picture?
A gradual yet intentional transformation is unfolding within Google’s design philosophy. With each app, the company is trimming excess, refining layouts, and striving for a more expressive yet less overwhelming user experience. The revamped Phone app exemplifies this shift. Is it flawless? Not necessarily. Is it an improvement? That remains a topic for discussion. Nonetheless, it clearly demonstrates that Google is listening to user feedback and is willing to rethink its foundational tools.
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