Key Points:
• Google’s Gmail app for iPhone and iPad has been updated with a Material 3 redesign.
• The new design features a pill-shaped search bar, blue accent color, and rounded rectangles with vibrant shades.
• The design update is a step towards a more consistent look across Google’s apps, but does not include features like "Dynamic Color" theme like on Android.
As a tech journalist, I’m thrilled to report that Google has finally updated its Gmail app for iPhone and iPad with a Material 3 redesign. This update brings a fresh new look to the popular email client, and we’re excited to dive in and explore the changes.
The most notable visual overhaul is the pill-shaped search bar on the homepage, which replaces the previous rounded rectangle. The bottom bar, if you have the integrated Google Chat and/or Meet experience enabled, now features a pill-shaped indicator for your current tab. The design also introduces a blue accent color, with different shades used depending on the light or dark theme.
interesting to note that Google’s design language on Android, known as Material You, offers a more dynamic experience by applying a "Dynamic Color" theme based on your phone’s wallpaper. Unfortunately, this feature is not available on iOS, but it would have been great to see a built-in Account-level picker for a more cohesive experience across both platforms.
The update also brings some subtle design tweaks to the app. For instance, the "Compose" floating action button (FAB) becomes a rounded rectangle with a vibrant blue color when dark mode is enabled. However, the hamburger menu/navigation drawer does not appear to have been updated as part of this release.
When opening an email, you’ll notice that the top-right corner overflow icon has transitioned from three vertical dots to horizontal dots in a circle.
It’s worth noting that Google Chat for iOS was also recently updated with Material You, though it already featured a floating bottom bar. Other first-party apps like Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet remain unchanged with this update.
While this design update is a step in the right direction for a more consistent look across Google’s apps, there’s still room for improvement. Here’s to hoping we see more updates to other Google apps in the future!
What’s Next?
For those eager to try out the new design, you can grab the updated Gmail app from the App Store right now. Version 6.0.250119 is available for iPhone and iPad users. If you’re new to the world of Gmail, you can download the app and start exploring its features.
Don’t forget to check out some new iPhone Tutorials.
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