Google Drive for Android is getting a fresh coat of paint with a Material 3 Expressive redesign, following a recent update to its homescreen widget.
This update introduces a snazzier search bar and smoother file viewing.
- Google Drive for Android is rolling out a Material 3 Expressive redesign.
- The update features a redesigned search app bar with elements moved outside the search field.
- File lists and grids now appear in a single, slightly darker container.
- A connected button group replaces previous methods for switching between list and grid views.
- The redesign is appearing with version 2.25.310.0, but rollout is not yet complete.
What’s new in the Google Drive app redesign? The most striking change is the new search app bar. Gone are the days of the hamburger button and profile picture being tucked inside the search field. Now, they’re boldly placed outside, and the field itself has thickened. When the “Google Drive” wordmark gracefully animates away, a centered “Search in Drive” hint takes its place.
A Sleeker Look for Your Files
The way your files are displayed is also getting an upgrade. Instead of individual boxes for each file entry, the entire list or grid view is now presented in one large container. This container is a shade darker than the app’s background, offering a subtle visual distinction. It’s a departure from how apps like Contacts or Phone handle their lists, where each line often gets its own distinct box. Drive is opting for a more continuous flow.
Intuitive Navigation Tweaks
Within the Files tab, the indicator for your current selection is now smaller. Switching between list and grid views has also been streamlined. Google Drive is now using a connected button group, which makes the transition between these two views feel more integrated and fluid. The bottom bar, however, remains unchanged in height.
This Material 3 Expressive redesign is being observed with version 2.25.310.0 of Google Drive for Android. It’s important to note that the rollout isn’t complete yet, so some users might only be seeing a few of these new components rather than the full suite of changes.
