Google Phone App for Wear OS Receives Sleek Material You (M3 Expressive) Update

Revamped Design Brings Material You Aesthetics to Wear OS

Google’s Phone app for Wear OS smartwatches is now embracing the much-anticipated Material 3 (M3) Expressive design, mirroring the recent updates found on Android devices. This modern redesign introduces a cleaner, more user-friendly interface, enhancing usability on the compact screens of smartwatches.

 

Enhanced In-Call Interface and Button Layout

The latest update features a significant overhaul of the in-call screen. The enlarged end call button now sits prominently at the bottom edge of the display, offering a more accessible touch target—crucial for precise interactions on smaller wearable displays. Mute and overflow options have been repositioned higher up, with the call duration thoughtfully centered in the same row for improved readability.

 

Improved Dialing and Navigation Features

Users will notice similar design enhancements while dialing numbers. Additionally, the homescreen of the Google Phone app for Wear OS is expected to adopt the M3 Expressive theme soon, though the rollout appears to be gradual and not yet universal across all smartwatches.

 

Simplified Menus and Answering Experience

The "More" menu has shifted from a grid to a streamlined list view, aligning it with intuitive features like Call Assist. The incoming call screen also receives an upgrade, now allowing users to answer calls with either a left/right swipe gesture or dedicated on-screen buttons—providing flexibility and ease of use.

 

Comparison and Market Relevance

This update brings the Wear OS calling experience more in line with the intuitive, expressive design language Google has promoted across its ecosystem, elevating both aesthetics and functionality. Early beta testers report variations in the interface, with some seeing the revamped Home, Keypad, and Voicemail bar already, while others have full Material You integration.

 

Why This Matters for Wear OS Users

By prioritizing both visual appeal and practical usability, Google’s latest Material You update ensures the Phone app for wearables remains competitive in the evolving smartwatch market. As these incremental enhancements roll out more widely, Wear OS users can anticipate a more cohesive and enjoyable calling experience, tailored to the unique needs of wearable technology enthusiasts.