Google is set to introduce a design refresh for the Google Messages app, focusing on the profile pages with a Material 3 Expressive facelift. This update is part of the Android 16 QPR1 beta program and is anticipated to roll out to stable Android 16 Pixel users in the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop in September. The recent discovery within the Google Messages v20250701 beta reveals modifications to the look of the buttons on profile pages.
Instead of the current circular buttons beneath a contact’s phone number, these will be transformed into pill or lozenge shapes. When pressed, the buttons will highlight, widen, and change shape, returning to their original size and form once released. However, despite the code being embedded in the app, these features are not yet accessible to users, including those participating in the beta program.
For instance, although my Pixel 6 Pro is updated to the correct version of Google Messages, the new button designs are not visible in my app’s current state. The buttons undergoing the Material 3 upgrade include Call, Video, Contact Info, and Search. It’s important to note that not all Android users utilize the Google Messages app; many prefer alternatives provided by device manufacturers or third-party developers.
While the changes hinted at in the app may not be guaranteed to roll out, they do signal that Google is actively enhancing user experiences. The objective behind Material 3 Expressive is to create a more engaging and personal interaction with digital products like smartphones. This design philosophy aims to ensure that digital devices feel like natural extensions of users, enhancing their overall experience through thoughtful visual and interactive elements.