Google redesigned the Phone app with the Material 3 expressive style

Google has revamped the Phone app, giving it a more expressive look inspired by the Material 3 design language. The updates aim to simplify call navigation and make it easier to find contacts.

The bottom menu now includes just three tabs: Home, Keyboard, and Voicemail. The previous tabs — Favorites, Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail — have been removed.

The Home tab displays favorite contacts at the top of the screen. Instead of the familiar call log that grouped multiple calls from the same person into a single entry, users now see a list of individual calls.

Google is also experimenting with a new gesture-based system for handling incoming calls. To answer a call, users swipe right; to decline, they swipe left.

The app has also received several visual improvements. On the incoming call screen, the contact’s name now appears inside a circular element with smooth edges. The end call button has been made larger and more prominent, improving visibility. Additionally, the recent calls list now features rounded corners and a contrasting background for better readability.

While these changes are currently available only to beta testers, the new visual design is expected to roll out to all users in September.