Google Phone Update: New Features & Design
- Google has begun deploying its Material 3 Expressive redesign to the Phone app on Pixel devices, initially for beta users.The update brings several user interface enhancements focused on...
- The most notable change is the introduction of a favorites bar, providing quick access to frequently contacted individuals.
- Based on user feedback, Google is also testing a new call answer/decline gesture.
Google’s Pixel Phone app is getting a significant material 3 Expressive update, and we’re diving deep into the new features. Beta users are already experiencing the redesigned interface,focusing on ease of use and preventing mishaps. The update includes a Favorites bar for rapid contact access, a streamlined call log displaying individual calls for improved clarity, and a new gesture designed to prevent accidental call answering/declining by using the secondary_keyword, call handling. This horizontal swipe prevents issues when the phone is removed from a pocket. News Directory 3 has the full scoop, giving you the details on what’s new including all primary_keyword enhancements. We break down the benefits for beta users and hint at the wider rollout of the update for upcoming Pixel devices. Anticipate a cleaner, more intuitive call experience. Discover what’s next.
Google Pixel Phone App Gets Material 3 Expressive Update
Updated June 24, 2025
Google has begun deploying its Material 3 Expressive redesign to the Phone app on Pixel devices, initially for beta users.The update brings several user interface enhancements focused on ease of use and preventing accidental actions.
The most notable change is the introduction of a favorites bar, providing quick access to frequently contacted individuals. Google also streamlined the call log, presenting each call as a separate entry rather than nesting them under a single contact. This aims to provide a clearer, chronological view of call history.
Based on user feedback, Google is also testing a new call answer/decline gesture. The horizontal swipe is designed to reduce accidental call handling when the phone is taken out of a pocket.
What’s new in the Material 3 Expressive Update
- Favorites Bar: Direct access to favourite contacts, eliminating the need to navigate to a separate tab.
- Simplified Call Log: A flattened list showing each call individually for easier understanding of call history.
- Call Answer/Decline gesture: A horizontal swipe to answer or decline calls, intended to prevent accidental actions.
The update is currently available to Pixel users enrolled in the QPR1 beta program. A wider release is expected following the beta testing phase.
What’s next
Google will likely monitor user feedback from the beta program before a wider rollout of the Material 3 Expressive update to all Pixel devices. Users not in the beta program can anticipate the changes in a future update.