The search bar in Gmail gets bigger complying with M3 design

Gmail for Android users recently encountered a visual revamp, particularly in the search bar department. The search bar has been redesigned to align with the latest Material 3 design guidelines. These modifications might seem subtle, but they contribute to a refined and polished user interface.

One notable change is the increase in the size of the search bar. Previously standing at 48dp, it has now grown to a height of 56dp, reports 9to5Google. This adjustment adheres to Material 3‘s design principle of a taller search bar.

This design change complements Material You’s preference for more expansive elements in the interface. Furthermore, the larger size accommodates users who prefer a more substantial touch target for interaction.

What lies ahead: Consistency across Google apps with Material You design

This design update was first spotted in Gmail (version 2023.10.15.x) and Google Chat (version 2023.10.15.x), both integral parts of the Google Workspace. As the search bar in Gmail gets bigger, users can anticipate similar visual enhancements across their suite of applications.

Previously, Google apps featured full-width search fields at the top of the screen, offering a consistent visual theme. However, some apps deviated from this design paradigm.

For instance, Google Messages introduced a new look for its home screen, and the Play Store narrowed its search field. The Google (Search) app, on the other hand, still features an oversized search field above the Discover feed, which appears somewhat out of place compared to the updated design of Gmail and Google Chat.

As Google progresses toward a more uniform design language, users can look forward to further updates aimed at enhancing the overall user interface and experience throughout the Google app ecosystem. This ongoing commitment to design refinement ensures that Google’s suite of applications remains cohesive and user-friendly.

With the Material 3 design, Google is not only refreshing the look of its apps but also enhancing user interaction and consistency across its platform.