Google Messages tests new layout with pinned chat avatars and bottom search

A visual shift for pinned chats

Google is currently testing a significant redesign of the Google Messages homepage for Android users. One of the most noticeable changes involves how the app handles pinned chats, which are the conversations users choose to keep at the top of their list. Instead of simply appearing as the first items in a vertical list, these chats are being elevated into a dedicated section.

In this new layout, large contact photos for pinned conversations appear above all other messages. This design choice pushes the rest of the conversation history further down the page. By highlighting these specific contacts with larger visual elements, Google aims to make it easier for users to identify their most frequent contacts immediately upon opening the app.

However, this visual elevation comes with a trade-off regarding information density. As 9to5Google reported, this specific layout does not display any message history or information about the last sent message for those pinned contacts. This mirrors a design style similar to iMessage on the iOS platform, prioritizing visual identity over recent activity logs.

Floating buttons for easier navigation

The redesign also introduces a new way to access search and start new conversations. Google is testing a centered floating action button, often called a FAB, located at the bottom of the screen. This button houses both the search function and the option to begin a new chat. This move is intended to make the app more accessible for users who primarily navigate their phones with one hand.

The behavior of this button changes depending on how the user interacts with the screen. When a user is scrolling down through their messages, the button transforms into a pill-shaped element that specifically says "Search." At this same time, the other button in the pair becomes minimized to save space on the screen.

When the user is not scrolling, the button appears as a circular magnifying glass icon paired with a "Start chat" option inside the pill. The transition between these states includes a new animation designed to make the interface feel more responsive and "alive." This shift moves the primary navigation tools from the top of the screen to the bottom, where they are easier to reach with a thumb.

Standardizing the Gemini shortcut

Google is also reorganizing where users can find the Gemini AI shortcut within the Messages app. Previously, Gemini was accessible via a floating action button, similar to the search tool. In the new layout, Google is moving this shortcut to the top-right corner of the screen, placed right next to the user's profile image.

This change is part of a broader effort to create a consistent experience across Google's various software products. By moving the Gemini button to the corner, Google is matching the design language used in its Workspace apps on both desktop and mobile devices. This helps users find the AI tool in a predictable location regardless of which Google app they are currently using.

The relocation of the Gemini button suggests that Google wants to move away from floating elements for AI tools in favor of static, recognizable icons. While the floating buttons are being used for active tasks like searching, the corner placement for Gemini treats the AI as a persistent utility. This ensures that the AI remains available without cluttering the primary interaction area of the messaging interface.

Piecemeal rollout for beta testers

These updates are not yet available to the general public and are currently being tested within the beta channel. Because the changes are being rolled out in a piecemeal fashion, different testers may see different combinations of the new features. Some users might see all three core components of the redesign, while others may only see one or two of the updates at this stage.

The redesign is part of a larger suite of updates for the Google Messages app. Other recent changes include a new gradient icon design for the Messages app, as well as the Phone and Contacts apps. These visual updates are intended to modernize the look of the core communication suite on Android devices.

Google is also continuing to improve the functionality of the app alongside these visual changes. This includes the rollout of an Enhanced Protection mode designed to block spam and scams. Additionally, the app has received a new long-press menu that allows for partial copying of text. These features work in tandem with the new layout to provide a more secure and versatile messaging experience.