Google Chrome is getting a fresh look on Android with new Material 3 Expressive changes. While the core browsing features remain intact, the visual elements are being updated to keep up with other Google apps.
The main feature, the Omnibox, still looks familiar but introduces a new loading indicator. Instead of a standard bar, it uses a rounded progress component, giving it a softer feel.
Opening the menu reveals more changes. Key functions like bookmarking and refreshing are now in circular containers, helping them stand out more against the other options. This update makes it easier for users to find and use these important buttons.
On the Tab Grid page, new tabs are now in rounded squares, adding a modern touch. Incognito and Group switches also match this style, maintaining a cohesive design across tabs. Additionally, when you switch between Tab Groups, the unselected ones adapt colors based on the website you’re visiting, enhancing the browsing experience.
Chrome’s updated design aligns with the company’s ongoing trend of visual refinements. The design, while appealing, doesn’t significantly change how the browser operates. Some components appear in containers, but the sizes of the buttons remain unchanged. For example, the new tab button may look odd due to its smaller size.
This version of Chrome is seen in Chrome 139 on Pixel 10 and Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1. While the rollout began recently, it may not be available to all users yet.
New design updates, like those in Material 3 Expressive, confirm Chrome’s ongoing commitment to user-friendly aesthetics. In a recent survey by Statista, around 54% of mobile users indicated that a clean design was crucial for app usage. This shows how important visual appeal is in retaining users.
In conclusion, the Material 3 Expressive changes in Chrome aim to blend modern design with user-familiar functionalities, enhancing the overall browsing experience while keeping it intuitive.
For more details, check out the [Material Design guidelines](https://m3.material.io/components/progress-indicators/guidelines).
