Google’s visual redesign makes its way into the Play Store, introducing a lively fresh appearance.
What you should know
– Google Play Store is observed implementing Material 3 Expressive, showcasing vibrant hues for category icons in the search tab.
– This server-side update (version 46.5.19) improves the visual separation of areas such as Explore apps and Explore games.
– Previously, the Material 3 Expressive aesthetic has started to emerge in other Google applications like Gmail, suggesting a broader visual makeover across Google’s ecosystem, coinciding with the Android 16 deployment.
Google’s Material 3 Expressive represents the most visually sophisticated design transformation accompanying Android 16. While it’s being integrated throughout the interface, new insights unveil how Google Play Store is utilizing it.
The newest iteration of the Play Store app has been observed incorporating the Material 3 Expressive in the search tab, noted by Android Authority. It seems to be a server-side update, which introduces colorful features through the tab icons on the Google Play Store app.
According to the screenshots shared by the publication, it is quite clear how the icons in various categories appear after the recent update. The icons for Popular apps, Explore apps, and Explore games are significantly easier to identify, thanks to Material 3 Expressive’s striking color design aspects. While the icons now stand out in colors, the outlines remain unchanged as in the previous version.
Such subtle design tweaks are anticipated to extend across all Google applications as we move forward, with the Android 16 rollout expected in the upcoming months, possibly coinciding with the introduction of the Pixel 10 series.
Regarding this update, as mentioned, it is a server-side one and was seen on the Google Play Store operating version 46.5.19.
Gmail receives Material 3 Expressive appearance
Similar to the Google Play Store, the bold Material 3 Expressive appearance has also been observed in the search giant’s Gmail application. The changes were notable concerning the search bar, bottom navigation bar, and compose button — all of which featured their own accent colors emerging.
The compose button now sports a glowing effect with the latest update next to the bolder font, and the accompanying pencil icon has also been made to look more pronounced. When the rollout occurs extensively, Gmail users can look forward to a significant redesign with new hues throughout, and a new card-style layout is also anticipated.
