In May, Google unveiled its new design language, Material 3 Expressive, which has since begun to permeate various Google applications. The recent launch of the Pixel 10 and Android 16 QPR1 has catalyzed the rollout, marking a significant shift in user experience across Android devices. Below is a comprehensive overview of the updates currently available and those anticipated in the near future.
Rolling out
Gmail II
The latest iteration of Gmail introduces a fresh layout where each message is encapsulated within a container, complemented by a subtle left and right border.
Google Chrome
In the browsing interface, users will notice a segmented Material 3 progress indicator. The top row of actions in the overflow menu is now presented in circular containers, while the Tab Grid features a new tab button and a switcher for standard, Incognito, and Groups, all housed within containers. Additionally, the frame of Tab Group cards is thematically colored based on user preferences.
Google Wallet
The app logo has replaced the previous “Wallet” label in the top-left corner, with thicker cards utilized for the list of passes beneath the carousel. Throughout the app, containers are employed, notably on the Add to Wallet and Recent Activity pages. The NFC tap-to-pay animation has been enhanced with a more dynamic M3 Expressive design, featuring a translucent background and an animated card that bounces upon successful transactions. A new overlay for Pixel users is also being introduced, activated by a double-tap of the power button.
Recent launches
[New] Google Drive II
The redesign of Google Drive eliminates the main list view container, opting for an edge-to-edge aesthetic.
[New] Quick Share
This new fullscreen experience fully embraces Material 3 Expressive, enhancing user interaction.
[New] Google Maps
Listings within Google Maps now utilize M3 Expressive containers for improved information grouping, while the actions carousel consistently appears at the bottom of the screen.
Fully launched
(In alphabetical order)
Digital Wellbeing
The main page for this app has been refreshed with M3 Expressive elements, featuring thicker donut graphs. This update is rolling out with beta version 1.30.x.
Files by Google
An animated Material 3 carousel graces the homepage, complemented by a pill-shaped toolbar for Quick Share and document scanning. The navigation rail has been revamped, and image editing now features a dedicated toolbar.
Gmail
Both the email list and individual messages are now contained within a structured layout, while swipe gestures trigger a prominent pill-shaped animation. The search app bar has been redesigned, moving the hamburger button and profile menu outside the pill-shaped field.
Google Calendar
Time slots are now housed in rounded containers across various views, replacing the previously faint lines. A solid background layer in the primary Dynamic Color enhances visibility, and a FAB menu has been introduced for creating Events, Tasks, Out of Office notices, and Birthdays.
Google Meet
As the first app to implement the Material 3 Expressive redesign, Google Meet features large cards for each call on the homepage. The pre-call screen showcases oversized buttons for voice and video calls, and user information is prominently displayed in a pill shape at the top.
Google Messages
Both the conversation list and message threads are now organized within containers, with the redesigned ‘plus’ menu featuring buttons in pill shapes. Other sections of the app have also adopted Material 3 Expressive elements.
As these updates continue to roll out, users can expect a more cohesive and visually appealing experience across Google’s suite of applications, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.