Your Google Messages profile might obtain new Material 3 Expressive buttons.
What you should know:
– Google Messages is fully adopting Material 3 Expressive, and the transformation appears to be extending beyond just your conversations.
– An in-depth look at the app’s beta version reveals pill-shaped buttons replacing the previous circular ones on the contact profile page.
– The refreshed design focuses on the four primary buttons—Call, Video, Contact Info, and Search.
Google Messages has recently undergone a style enhancement, embracing the vibrant and bold essence of Material 3 Expressive. However, it’s not limited to the messaging interface, as this new aesthetic could be starting to branch out into additional sections of the app.
Android Authority discovered something intriguing in the Google Messages v20250701 beta, indicating that Material 3 Expressive buttons are coming to the profile page. You will notice the update when you click on a contact’s name at the top of a chat or tap their profile picture in the conversation list and select the “i” icon.
The expected redesign focuses on the four main buttons beneath a contact’s number—Call, Video, Contact info, and Search. In place of the standard round icons, they are being transformed into pill-shaped buttons.
Buttons with character:
Moreover, they respond when tapped, gently widening, then snapping back when released. It’s a subtle addition, but it provides a charming touch of flair and sophistication.
The new buttons are noticeably larger and align perfectly with the Material 3 Expressive design that has been emerging in other Google applications recently.
It’s important to mention that this feature only appeared after some manual adjustments by the team at Android Authority. Thus, simply sideloading the Google Messages beta APK won’t activate it on its own.
Last month, Google was noted to be modifying the tabs for emoji, Photomoji, GIFs, and sticker panel in Messages. Instead of being placed side-by-side as before, they’re organized in a sleek, pill-shaped arrangement that allows each option to shine more. Tap one, and it bursts with a more vibrant color that complements your Material 3 theme.
Even the “plus” icon has received an upgrade, meaning the menu it opens now features slightly larger, rounder buttons with more space to breathe.
There’s no update yet on when this revamped contact page will make its way to the stable version, as it currently remains in beta. But given Google’s commitment to Material 3 Expressive right now, it’s a reasonable assumption that this update will be rolled out to everyone soon.
