Google is rolling out a refreshed Gmail interface built on its Material 3 Expressive design system, giving the popular email app a softer, more animated feel. The changes, while not a full redesign, bring rounded corners, pill-shaped animations, and a cleaner reading experience.
What’s Changing in Gmail
Instead of a flat message list, emails now appear inside a single rounded container, creating a more cohesive layout. Swipe gestures—used to archive, delete, or snooze emails—come with spring-like animations that react to user actions in real time. The subject line section inside emails has also been polished, making sender names, timestamps, and subjects easier to scan quickly.
Not a Full Overhaul (Yet)
For now, Gmail’s compose window and home widgets remain unchanged. Google is phasing in the redesign gradually, meaning some users may see the update later than others.
Part of a Bigger Design Push
Material 3 Expressive first debuted in May as part of Google’s broader effort to make Android’s interface more dynamic and personal. Apps like Contacts, Messages, and Google Keep have already adopted similar looks, and more apps are expected to follow with the upcoming Android 16 and Wear OS updates.
The design system emphasizes three pillars:
- Dynamic color theming to better match user preferences.
- Adaptive components that adjust layouts based on screen size and context.
- Motion principles that give users instant feedback through animated interactions.
What Users Should Know
The rollout is staged, so there’s no need to hunt for updates if Gmail still looks the same on your device. Once the redesign lands, users can tweak gesture settings to customize how swipe actions behave.
This update represents more than a cosmetic shift—it’s part of Google’s larger strategy to unify its design language across devices and services, making Android apps feel more consistent and responsive.
