Google’s Phone app is about to undergo a sleek redesign based on the Material 3 Expressive design language. This update, which has been spotted in a beta version, brings several notable changes to improve the user experience. One of the most exciting features is the ability to answer calls with either a horizontal swipe or a simple tap. 
The bottom bar with tabs for Favorites, Recents, Contacts, and Voicemail remains unchanged, though it now sports a darker background.
When you navigate to the Recents tab, you’ll notice that calls are now displayed in neatly organized rectangular fields with rounded corners, replacing the previous endless list of names and avatars. The dial pad hasn’t changed much, except for a subtle adjustment: its top corners are now rounded. Additionally, suggested phone numbers are now displayed in rectangular fields, maintaining consistency with the new design.
Several filters, such as All, Missed, Contacts, Non-Spam, and Spam, have been redesigned to use these rectangular fields as well. This allows for quick actions like sending a message or viewing your call history with that contact. A convenient shortcut now lets you make a video call to a recent contact or one of your saved contacts with just a single tap.
The Settings menu has also been updated to align with the new visual style, featuring the same container-based layout found throughout the app. When receiving an incoming call, you can swipe left to decline or swipe right to answer. The caller’s profile icon or photo rotates in a unique scallop-shaped design while waiting for your response. The call buttons have been redesigned from circular to pill-shaped, and the ‘end call’ button is now wider and more prominent, making it easier to find during calls.
This update is currently available in beta version 180 of the Google Phone app. Although I tried to access it on my Pixel 6 Pro, the update is being rolled out server-side, so it hasn’t appeared for me yet. However, the new look is undeniably modern and stylish, and I can’t wait to see it in action on my device.