Google is gearing up for a significant release with Android 16, which promises to introduce a plethora of new features alongside a comprehensive redesign of its Material Design language, now dubbed Material 3 Expressive. The tech giant is already piloting this new design language across several of its applications, including Phone, Calendar, Photos, Files, and Meet. Recent observations by Android Authority have unveiled some of the exciting changes that will be rolled out in the Phone app with the upcoming Android 16 update.
Google’s Phone app may let you choose how you answer calls in Android 16
In a recent exploration, Android Authority successfully enabled the redesign of the Phone by Google app, specifically version 177.0.763181107-publicbeta-pixel2024. This update is set to introduce a visual refresh that will allow users to select their preferred method for answering calls, all while embracing the new Material 3 Expressive aesthetic.
Currently, users can answer or reject calls by swiping up or down on their screens. However, recent reports from Reddit users indicate that Google has begun testing a more straightforward approach, featuring “Answer” and “Decline” buttons that require just a tap. Additionally, another method is being trialed, which involves horizontal swipes to the left and right for declining and answering calls, respectively.
The forthcoming redesign is expected to offer flexibility, allowing users to choose between the tap-to-answer method and the horizontal swipe gestures in Android 16. An analysis of the app’s APK has uncovered two code strings that suggest this dual functionality: [name=”answermethodswipeentry”>Horizontal swipe] and [name=”answermethodtapentry”>Single tap]. There is also a possibility that the traditional vertical swipe gesture for answering or declining calls may still be retained.
More visual changes are coming to Google’s Phone app in Android 16
In addition to the new answering options, the redesigned Phone app is expected to replace many of the existing circular buttons with larger, pill-shaped keys that dynamically change shape when tapped. The call-in screen will feature a fresh animation for the caller’s profile photo, enhancing the overall user experience. Moreover, elements such as the name, phone number, profile picture, buttons, and menu will be displayed in a larger format compared to the current design.
These enhancements were identified following similar updates found in other Google applications, including Google One, Google Meet, and Google TV. It appears that the Material 3 Expressive design overhaul is set to extend across a majority of Google’s applications in the forthcoming Android 16 release.
