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Google Phone App Revamps Bottom Bar in Latest Update

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Google Phone app complies with Material 3 Expressive by shortening its bottom bar in version 204.
This follows last year's update that kept a taller bottom bar for Home, Keypad, and Voicemail.
The update reduces padding above the tab indicator.
The update modifies text labels to align with Google Home.
Google Phone has not reinstated Keep portrait mode, while Expressive Calling remains in beta.

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Story summary

The Google Phone app complies with Material 3 Expressive by shortening its bottom bar in version 204.
This follows last year's update that kept a taller bottom bar for Home, Keypad, and Voicemail.
The update reduces padding above the tab indicator.
The update modifies text labels to align with Google Home.
Google Phone has not reinstated Keep portrait mode, while Expressive Calling remains in beta.