Google Phone app receives significant Material You design update ahead of Android 16 launch

Google is rolling out a major visual redesign for its Phone app, marking the biggest update the app has seen in several years. This revamp coincides with the upcoming launch of Android 16 and introduces Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design language. Key changes include updated call answering options, where users can now choose between a single tap with large Answer and Decline buttons or a horizontal swipe on a pill-shaped slider to accept or reject calls. This replaces the previous swipe up/down method and offers a more modern and accessible interface. Additionally, the app’s in-call screen has been visually enhanced with bolder buttons, more prominent contact names, and clearer caller photos. The Recent calls tab and Favorites section now feature a cleaner look with rounded card-style containers for each entry, maintaining consistency throughout the app. The dialer itself hasn’t changed structurally, but the background sheet now has rounded corners in line with Material 3 styling. This update is gradually rolling out via a server-side update, already available on the latest beta version of the app. These improvements refresh the app’s previously minimal design, helping it compete better with other third-party dialers by focusing on both usability and aesthetics.