We first saw the bottom search bar for the Google app in 2021, while we enabled a modernized version in late 2023. Google is now testing a Material 3 bottom bar redesign with an integrated search field.
At least one user today came across this bottom bar redesign in google search on android. For starters, it finally uses Material 3 with the pill-shaped tab indicator that was introduced in the iOS version, but seems to have been abandoned on Android after a brief introduction. (However, screenshots of the Google app in the Play Store listing show it.) That change alone plays a big role in making this first-party app a little more consistent.
Current vs New (@Cookie_lolll)
Above the bottom bar is a tall search box that previously only appeared at the top of the Discover feed. At this point, that thicker variant disappears on the actual search results page. In the redesign, it remains there for some consistency, although it still looks comically large. In general, the search combo box and the bottom bar use a sheet container.
One complaint would be that it takes up more space that could be used for results, but the “Google” logo no longer appears at the very top, instead search filters immediately appear.
Instead of a dynamic color, a default shade of blue is used. It stands out on the search results page.
Compared to the current look, this redesign of the bottom search bar looks more modern, and Google’s app is clearly looking a bit old lately. Let’s hope it will see wider application.
LR: 2021, 2023, 2024 (enabled)
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