The Google Phone app has received a new design in the Material 3 Expressive style

Google has begun beta testing a major UI update for its Phone app in the Material 3 Expressive style, 9to5google reports.

Many elements in the application have received a new visual design. The bottom panel tabs have not changed, but the panel background has become darker, and the interface elements have become smoother and rounded. The list of calls in the "Recents" tab is now presented in the form of rectangular cards with rounded corners. A similar style has been applied to the "Favorites" tabs and the dialing screen. Call filters have also been updated - "All", "Missed", "Contacts", "No spam" and "Spam" no longer have outlines.

In addition to the design, a new option has been added for answering incoming calls - the user can choose between a horizontal swipe or a single tap. The incoming call screen has acquired updated shapes and a rotation animation until the moment of answering. The active call screen has also been noticeably updated: round buttons have changed to more expressive "pills" that stretch into rectangles when activated, including the end call button, which has become more noticeable.

The new design is already available in beta version 180, but is currently being rolled out in a limited way through server updates.