Gmail’s New Material 3 Expressive Redesign Secretly Rolled Out

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Synopsis

Google’s Material 3 Expressive makeover is quietly creeping into Gmail, introducing a vibrant, card-style layout that’s stirring up conversations among Android enthusiasts.

Key takeaways

• Google’s Material 3 Expressive look is live on some Gmail inboxes, adding depth and flair.
• The redesign swaps heavy color blocks for soft, raised cards and pill-shaped buttons.
• Visual layers are more dynamic, and animations are livelier with haptic nudges.
• The update’s rollout is slow and server-side, causing inconsistent experiences across accounts.

Material 3 expressive redesign

Google’s highly anticipated Material 3 Expressive design language is finally making its way to Gmail. The interface now ditches heavy color blocks in favor of lighter, raised cards with soft, rounded edges that bring depth and focus to your emails.

This new approach isn’t just about eye candy—it’s about feeling the interface. Responsive animations give a more fluid experience. Dismissing a notification feels smoother thanks to a neat peel-away motion and matching haptic nudge, showing how Google’s design team is laser-focused on tactile feedback.

Color explosion and card-style UI

The update doesn’t stop at mere layout tweaks—there’s a color explosion happening in Gmail. The Compose button, for instance, has been given a glow-up with a chunkier font and a fully filled-in pencil icon, demanding attention.

https://twitter.com/androidcentral/status/1929562054131949856

The card-style UI introduces a whole new dynamic to the message list and the email view screen. It’s not just aesthetic—the fresh layering of colors and shades adds a visually rich and layered feel, something Gmail has long needed.

Inconsistent rollout and controversy

Curiously, the rollout is happening on a per-account basis via server-side switches. This means while one user might see the new account switcher pop out of the search bar, others still have it tucked inside, sparking chatter about Google’s secretive approach to this big update.

SparkRadar, an eagle-eyed Telegram channel, caught these visual changes in action on the Gmail version 2025.05.11, sharing tantalizing glimpses of this fresh interface.

Pill-shaped buttons and responsive swipes

One of the most striking additions in this update is the pill-shaped button animation that pops up when swiping through the interface.

It’s a small detail, but it brings a fresh, modern vibe that resonates with Google’s broader Material 3 Expressive design philosophy.

What’s next for Gmail and Material 3?

Google’s update strategy here is clear: roll out these significant changes slowly, test how they are received by users, and make adjustments as needed.

As Material 3 Expressive spreads its wings, it’s sparking debates about whether these subtle-yet-bold updates are enough to keep Gmail feeling fresh in the face of growing competition.