Google is rolling out a redesigned pinned chats UI in Google Messages beta featuring large contact photos reminiscent of iMessage. Some beta users also see a floating search button alongside the Start Chat pill, while the Gemini icon will move up top to replace Search.
Google has started rolling out its redesigned pinned chats UI to Google Messages. The change is currently rolling out only to beta users, but it will move to the stable channel soon. While some users previously enabled this UI manually, that is no longer necessary because all beta users are now getting the change. It may take time to arrive, however, as some beta users report that the change is not yet available to them. This could be a server-side switch.
The new layout features large contact photos at the top that are prominent and attract attention, reminiscent of iMessage. In addition to the pinned chat UI, some beta users report seeing a new floating action button for Search. That button appears at the bottom of the Google Messages home screen, alongside the Start Chat pill.
The floating search button features an expanded and a collapsed look, just like the Start Chat button. The Gemini icon is absent from this button. Based on reactions, most users would like it to stay that way. The Gemini icon is not going away, however; it will simply be relocated up top, where it will essentially replace the Search icon.
Google also changed the Messages icon recently to a new gradient design. It is a notable change, and several other apps have received the same treatment. Google constantly tweaks Messages, and this latest change will be coming to everyone in the near future.
Google Pixel 11 Pro
Cristian Penisoara is a Guides Writer and Android specialist at Droid Tools. An Android user since version 2 and a professional event photographer, he combines technical curiosity with a detail-oriented approach - every guide he publishes is tested step-by-step on a real device before it goes live.
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