Google Phone App Set for Major Overhaul with Android 16

Google is preparing a significant redesign for its Phone app, a critical component of Android. This overhaul will arrive with Android 16, promising a more contemporary and user-friendly experience, especially for the larger displays common in today’s devices.

Modernized Interface Arriving Soon

The revamped Phone app will be rolling out beginning in September with the quarterly update for Pixel phones. The new design is a key part of the evolution of the Material 3 design language, integrating a “Material 3 Expressive” approach. This aims to refine aesthetics without sacrificing usability. The revised app will reorganize navigation elements and streamline access to the most-used functions, reducing visual clutter.

Tab Restructuring and Key Features

One notable change involves restructuring the tabs on the main screen. The existing three sections, “Favorites,” “Contacts,” and “Recent,” will be replaced by six tabs: “Start,” “Dialer,” “Voicemail,” “Contacts,” “Favorites,” and “Recent.” The new “Start” tab will act as the central hub, displaying favorite contacts at the top with large icons and the recent call history below.

Functions like missed calls and spam will be organized in a filter at the top. This arrangement frees up the screen’s lower portion, improving usability.

Visual Design Tweaks

The visual design will also see several updates. Profile photos of contacts will switch from round to more angular shapes. The change aims to make images more striking and easily recognizable. The call history design will be modified as well. Instead of grouping multiple calls from the same number into a single entry, each call will appear individually and chronologically.

In addition, recent calls will appear in boxes with rounded corners, aligning with Material 3 aesthetics. Furthermore, the way calls are answered or rejected will change. A horizontal gesture will replace the traditional up or down swipe, potentially preventing accidental call terminations or acceptances.

Availability and Impact

Google confirmed that these changes will initially appear on Pixel phones in September as part of the quarterly update. Other devices running Android 16 are expected to receive the redesign in the following months, depending on the manufacturer and the custom user interface. The number of smartphone users worldwide continues to climb, reaching an estimated 6.92 billion in 2024 (Statista).

With this update, Google reaffirms its focus on improving the Android user experience, particularly in core functions like calling. By reorganizing the interface and making it more intuitive, the company aims to simplify usage and prepare its operating system for increasingly large and versatile devices.