Essential Information
- A Reddit user with a Galaxy Z Fold 6 has discovered the new M3 Expressive redesign for Google Messages.
- The update slightly modifies the plus icon menu and introduces a “connected button group” for emojis, GIFs, and more.
- The M3 Expressive update in the Google Messages beta features a solid-color background for chats and distinguishes texts from contact options.
Following I/O 2025, we anticipated a significant redesign for Android, and it appears to be surfacing within Messages (to some extent).
A Redditor reported observing the updated Google Messages design, which reflects the Material 3 Expressive philosophy (according to 9to5Google). The user mentioned that this updated design appeared on their Galaxy Z Fold 6 as of Wednesday, June 4. It’s not yet available on the stable version of Google Messages, but more users using the beta version seem to be noticing it.
The Reddit thread included several screenshots that highlight a minor alteration in the app’s text field menus, specifically for emojis and the plus icon.
It seems Google is reworking its sections for Photoemoji, Emoji, GIFs, and Stickers. These options are organized in a pill-shaped container rather than being displayed side by side without boundaries. When selected, the chosen option adopts a more vibrant look, reflecting your Material 3 Expressive style. The publication refers to this as a “connected button group,” which is quite fitting.
As for the plus icon, the user pointed out that the selections appear to be slightly larger within circular boxes and more evenly spaced.
Google’s Progress
Material 3 Expressive on Galaxy Z Fold6 from r/GoogleMessages
Furthermore, the area where your texts are displayed has undergone a slight modification, as Google introduces a solid-colored background. The chat bubbles seem unchanged; however, the text field (the conversation area) is now contained within a rounded-corner frame. As noted by 9to5, this creates a distinction between your conversations and the typical calling, video calling, and menu buttons.
If you’re part of the Google Messages beta, you might start seeing this UI update as the week concludes. One user with a Galaxy S25 Ultra has yet to experience it, indicating that the incremental update is likely still rolling out.
During I/O 2025, Google revealed its most significant Android redesign yet: Material 3 Expressive. The company emphasizes that this new design will prioritize user-friendly and sensible aesthetics, aiding you in productivity. M3 Expressive will harness vibrant colors and shapes to modernize Android’s design landscape. It’s anticipated that the entire Android operating system will adopt the M3 Expressive style, along with several of Google’s applications.
We’ve already witnessed some of these new Expressive modifications in other applications, such as Gmail. Some users observed these changes in Gmail’s latest stable update, which introduced lighter, elevated cards to enhance email visibility.