Google is gradually adapting its apps to the new Material 3 Expressive aesthetic of Android 16. Among them, the Phone app is undergoing several notable changes in its latest beta version. In addition to a visual change, the Californian giant plans to rethink the way users access their favorite contacts.
Google moves favorites… and leaves a void
Currently, Google's Phone app offers a separate tab at the bottom of the screen for quickly accessing favorite contacts. In the new version, this tab disappears from the navigation bar and is moved to the top of the recent calls list. It now takes the form of a clickable insert, which displays pinned contacts and suggests new favorites to add.
The current interface of the Google Phone app on the left, this one being tested in the middle and right. – Source: Android Authority
In return, the bottom bar is simplified, retaining only two tabs: "Recents" and "Contacts." While the interface gains in readability, one feature seems to have been sacrificed in the process: the "Frequent" section, which listed the most frequently called contacts, is no longer visible. At this stage, Google has not specified whether it will be integrated elsewhere or simply removed.
A redesign still being tested with a limited number of users
This new design is not yet accessible to everyone. Google is currently testing it with a small group of users via the public beta (version 178.0.765584175) of the application. In other words, even if you install the latest update, you may not see any changes for the time being.
These tests indicate that Google may not have yet decided on this new design. The placement of favorites and the disappearance of certain elements could still evolve before the deployment of the future stable version of the application. Until then, feedback from testers may help to correct the problems encountered. What do you think of this new interface?
Source: Android Authority
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