The phone application on Android continues to change appearance. Google introduces a new series of modifications to its current overhaul. Several familiar functions have changed space or behavior.
Many Android applications have been changing for several months to adopt a more modern interface. Google is gradually applying its new graphic charter, called Material 3, to all of its services. The objective: standardize the appearance of apps while simplifying their use. This approach has already transformed photos, Gmail, Google Agenda, or messages.
The telephone application, used by default on Pixel smartphones and many other brands, is no exception to this overhaul. Already revamped last June, it now receives a new update with the 185 version. This evolution still follows the principles of the expressive Material 3. The design changes, but also the organization of the interface. According to 9TO5GOOGLE, these changes are currently being tested on certain devices via the Android 16 QPR1 beta. The deployment is progressive, and not all users receive the same elements at the same time.
Google changes the phone interface with a new menu, a moved keyboard and more gestures
The digital keyboard, formerly accessible via a floating button, is now moved to a tab entitled “keyboard” at the bottom of the screen. The “Favorites” tab disappears from the navigation bar and becomes a button located at the top of the recent call list. Favorite contacts are always displayed in the form of profile photos, organized in carousel. The lateral menu, accessible from the three -line icon, now includes settings, contacts, call history and help options. The whole aims to make the application more intuitive, but it will take a time of adaptation for some.
Google also offers two different gestures to win a call : either a horizontal scanning, or a simple support on “respond” and “refuse” buttons. This choice is customizable in the settings. Finally, a small graphic novelty invites itself on the call screen: the photo of your correspondent now appears in a slightly cut circle, with its number displayed under its name. The new design is not yet available for everyone: the deployment is done in steps and some users still keep the old version.
