Android users across the globe have recently noticed a sudden change in their phone’s call and dialer interface, often without any prior update notification. The shift has left many puzzled, wondering why their familiar calling experience suddenly feels different. The answer lies in Google’s latest Material 3 Expressive Redesign for its Phone App, which is gradually rolling out to compatible devices. This update aims to provide a modern, cleaner, and more user-friendly interface, bringing several visual and functional adjustments that significantly alter the way users interact with their phone’s calling features.
One of the most notable changes is the revamped Home Tab, which now combines Favorites and Recents into a single, seamless space. The interface displays call history alongside top contacts in a carousel format, allowing users to navigate quickly and efficiently. The keypad design has also been refreshed, moving away from the old floating button style to a dedicated tab with rounded keys, offering a more contemporary and ergonomic feel.
Navigating through contacts has been simplified with the introduction of a new navigation drawer, accessible directly from the search field. This feature consolidates access to Contacts, Settings, Call History, and Help, providing a smoother, more intuitive experience. Even the incoming call screen has seen a transformation: users can now accept or reject calls via a horizontal swipe or a single tap, with the gesture configurable under Settings > Incoming Call Gesture for personalized control.
The in-call interface has also been redesigned, featuring pill-shaped buttons that enlarge when selected, alongside a noticeably larger End Call button to enhance usability. These subtle yet significant design changes aim to reduce accidental touches and improve overall accessibility, reflecting Google’s focus on a more expressive and user-centric experience.
For users who prefer the traditional look, the update can be reverted by uninstalling updates through the app’s settings, offering a degree of flexibility for those resistant to change. Social media reactions have been mixed: while some praise the modern aesthetic and improved functionality, others feel the redesign is unnecessary, highlighting the subjective nature of user interface updates.
As the Material 3 Expressive Redesign continues its gradual rollout, it is clear that Google is steering its Phone App toward a more polished, visually engaging, and user-friendly future whether all users embrace it immediately remains to be seen.