“Google Messages Beta Broadens Access to Expressive Redesign”

"Google Messages Beta Broadens Access to Expressive Redesign"

“Google Messages Beta Broadens Access to Expressive Redesign”

Google Advances Its Efforts to Shape an Expressive Future for Android

Google is progressing in its goal to transition Android into a more expressive future through the launch of the Material 3 Expressive design. This innovative design philosophy is progressively being applied across various Google applications, with Google Messages being among the first to highlight these modifications.

Key Information

  • A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 observed the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages.
  • The update slightly modifies the plus icon menu and presents a “connected button group” for emojis, GIFs, and more.
  • The M3 Expressive update in the Google Messages beta introduces a solid-color backdrop for conversations and distinguishes texts from contact options.

After the announcement at I/O 2025, Google has commenced rolling out its substantial Android redesign, which is now evident in Google Messages. A Reddit user reported witnessing the updated design on their Galaxy Z Fold 6, showcasing the essence of Material 3 Expressive. This update is presently accessible to users with the beta version of Google Messages.

The redesign features modifications to the app’s text field menus, especially for emojis and the plus icon. Google is revamping its tabs for Photomoji, Emoji, GIFs, and Stickers, which are now contained within a pill-shaped design. When selected, these choices adopt a more vibrant aesthetic, aligning with the Material 3 Expressive concept.

Google’s Progress

Google is also implementing modifications to the conversation interface, introducing a solid-colored background and a rounded-corner container for text fields. This creates a distinction between conversations and standard calling, video calling, and menu buttons.

Beta users of Google Messages may soon notice this UI update. However, the rollout is gradual, and not all users have received it yet.

During I/O 2025, Google revealed its most extensive Android redesign: Material 3 Expressive. This new design prioritizes aesthetics that feel intuitive and aid users in achieving more. It highlights colors and shapes to propel Android into a new design era. The complete Android OS and several Google applications are anticipated to embrace M3 Expressive.

Other Google applications, such as Gmail, have already begun integrating these Expressive updates, with new features creating lighter, elevated cards to improve email visibility.