Google is updating its Phone app with a refreshed interface aimed at simplifying contact access and call management. The new design, incorporating elements from Android’s youthful Material 3 Expressive style, is currently rolling out gradually to select public beta users.
The revamped bottom menu replaces the previous “Favorites,” “Recents,” “Contacts,” and “Voicemail” tabs with just three: “Home,” “Keypad,” and “Voicemail.” Within the Home tab, favorites now appear as bubbles at the screen’s top, followed by an expanded call log that lists each call separately rather than grouping multiple calls from the same contact into one entry.
Google is also testing a new horizontal swipe gesture to answer or decline calls. This feature aims to reduce accidental call responses when pulling the phone from a pocket, based on user feedback.
Visually, the incoming call screen now presents contact images within a playful, rounded shape for a more approachable look.
These changes come after the recent launch of Android 16, which did not include the Material 3 Expressive redesign. That update is now expected to arrive in September. Additionally, Pixel users received a new “Pixel VIP” widget that provides expanded details about favorite contacts, such as location, call history, and notes.