Google Phone App on Wear OS Gains M3 Expressive.

Key Takeaway

• Google's Phone app for Wear OS gets a sleek Material 3 Expressive redesign, enhancing usability and visual clarity.
• The update introduces a revamped in-call screen, easier navigation, and consistent UI with Android 16 and Wear OS 6.

In a notable move toward unifying design across its platforms, Google has begun rolling out a striking redesign of its Phone app for Wear OS smartwatches. This update introduces the Material 3 (M3) Expressive design language, giving the app a cleaner, more intuitive, and visually consistent interface that aligns with Android 16 and Wear OS 6.

The redesign, first spotted by users and detailed by 9to5Google, marks a significant upgrade to the in-call experience and general usability of the app. It’s part of Google’s broader mission to bring Material 3 Expressive aesthetics and functionality to all its core apps across devices, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, and now wearables.

A More Intuitive In-Call Experience.

The most noticeable improvements come to the in-call screen, where UI elements have been repositioned for clarity and ease of use. The iconic red “End Call” button, previously placed among other controls, has now been moved to a prominent location at the bottom of the screen, making it easier to tap quickly and confidently, especially on smaller smartwatch displays.

Expressive UI showing up on pixel watch phone app after Beta 3
byu/sesteele13 inPixelWatch

Other controls, such as mute and the “more options” button, have also been moved upward, improving overall layout symmetry. In addition, the call duration timer is now centered horizontally on the display, offering a more balanced and visually appealing interface.

These changes may appear subtle at first glance, but they significantly enhance usability. They address one of the biggest pain points of wearable tech: the challenge of precise interactions on small screens.

Dialer Improvements and Navigation Enhancements.

Beyond the in-call interface, the update modernizes other key parts of the app. The dialer screen now features updated button styling and improved spacing, allowing for easier tapping and reducing the likelihood of accidental inputs. The new design is not only more functional but also fits naturally within the broader aesthetic of Android 16.

Google has also updated the “More” menu, transitioning from a grid-based layout to a cleaner, scrollable list format, which mirrors the approach used in other Material 3-based apps. This provides a more consistent and familiar experience across platforms.

Interestingly, incoming call screens now support both swipe gestures and button-based controls for accepting or rejecting calls. This dual-method approach gives users more control over how they interact with their devices, whether they're on the move or wearing gloves.

Material 3 Expressive: Unifying Design Across Devices

The updated Phone app is among several apps on Wear OS now embracing Material 3 Expressive, Google's latest evolution of its design system. Unlike the earlier Material You theme, which emphasized dynamic colors and personalization, M3 Expressive brings bolder visual elements, improved legibility, and smarter use of space, especially tailored for smaller, wearable screens.

Google has already started deploying this new design language across apps like Google Maps, Keep, and the revamped Tile system in Wear OS 6. These efforts are not just cosmetic. They aim to make Wear OS devices more consistent, accessible, and user-friendly—whether you're making a call, checking directions, or setting reminders.

What This Means for Users.

This refresh is rolling out gradually to users on the latest Wear OS builds, particularly those testing Wear OS 6 or using Pixel Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch series. Users can expect a smoother, more modern interface that matches the visual tone of their smartphones and other Android devices.

As Google continues to invest in its wearable ecosystem—with Wear OS 6 on the horizon and Gemini AI integrations gaining momentum—the overhaul of core apps like Google Phone signals a deeper commitment to making smartwatches truly independent and intuitive companions.

For users, this means one thing: more power, more polish, and less friction in everyday smartwatch use.