# Gmail for iOS Introduces a Material 3 Redesign: An In-Depth Overview
In a notable enhancement for iOS users, Google has launched a Material 3 redesign for its Gmail application on iPhone and iPad. This upgrade brings Gmail into closer harmony with the design aesthetic that has become common in Android apps, especially those that make use of Material You. This article will explore the major updates introduced in this redesign, contrasting them with earlier versions and emphasizing the distinctions between the iOS and Android experiences.
## Key Highlights of the Material 3 Redesign
### Revamped User Interface Components
One of the most striking alterations in the revamped Gmail application is the overhaul of the search bar. Formerly a rounded rectangle, it has transitioned to a pill-shaped design, enhancing both its visual attractiveness and functionality. Moreover, the bottom navigation bar has been refreshed to include a pill-shaped indicator that showcases the active tab, especially when the integrated Google Chat and Meet features are active.
### Color Scheme and Themes
This redesign also introduces a new color scheme for the application. Blue has been established as the main accent color, while the classic red has been largely diminished. This change is supported by various shades of blue that adapt to the app’s light and dark modes, yielding a more unified and visually appealing experience.
### Floating Action Button (FAB) and Navigation Updates
The “Compose” button, referred to as the Floating Action Button (FAB), has been reimagined from its former circular shape to a rounded rectangle. In dark mode, this button showcases a bright blue hue, making it visually distinct against the darker backdrop. However, it’s important to mention that the hamburger menu, or navigation drawer, hasn’t undergone any updates in this redesign.
### Improved Email Interaction
When users access an email, they will observe a subtle yet noteworthy change in the overflow icon positioned in the top-right corner. The icon has shifted from three vertical dots to a circular formation of horizontal dots, aligning with the overarching design concept of Material 3.
## Contrast with Android’s Material You
Though the iOS version of Gmail has adopted Material 3, it still lacks certain advanced features available in Android’s Material You. A key feature of Material You is the “Dynamic Color” theme, which adjusts the app’s color palette according to the user’s wallpaper, offering a customized and cohesive experience throughout the operating system. Regrettably, such functionality has not yet been introduced in the iOS version of Gmail, leaving iOS users without this degree of personalization.
It would have been fascinating if Google had rolled out an account-level color selection tool for both platforms, enabling users to synchronize their preferences across devices. This could significantly enhance the user experience, reducing the discrepancies between the two operating systems.
## Additional Google Apps Featuring Material 3
Gmail is not the solitary app benefitting from the Material 3 design. Other first-party Google applications, including Google Search, Maps, Photos, Home, Translate, and Gemini, have also been refreshed with this design language. Nevertheless, some Workspace applications, such as Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet, remain unchanged with this latest update.
## Final Thoughts
The introduction of the Material 3 redesign for Gmail on iOS signifies a meaningful advancement in aligning Google’s application design across different platforms. While this update offers a revitalized appearance and user experience, it further underscores the differences between the iOS and Android experiences, especially in terms of customization capabilities. As Google continues to enhance its applications, users can look forward to additional developments that may ultimately bridge these divides, fostering a more cohesive experience across devices.
For those eager to explore the refreshed design, the updated version of Gmail (6.0.250119) is now available for download from the App Store.
