Google Maps, one of the most widely used navigation apps in the world, has started rolling out a refreshed design as part of its Material 3 Expressive makeover. While the update doesn’t dramatically change the app’s core functionality, it introduces subtle but meaningful tweaks that make the overall interface cleaner, more modern, and easier to use – particularly for people who often navigate with one hand.
One of the most noticeable changes comes to the Overview page. 
Previously, tabs like Directions, Start, Ask, and Call were displayed on a carousel at the top of the screen, visible only until a user scrolled down. Now, Google has docked these tabs permanently at the bottom of the display. This adjustment ensures that core navigation actions are always within reach of a thumb, simplifying one-handed use on larger smartphones. To make space for this, the secondary tabs – Overview, Reviews, Photos, Updates, and About – have been shifted upward, above the image previews of a location.
That might sound like a small shift, but it represents Google’s long-running strategy of optimizing Maps not just for information, but for accessibility and usability in real-world conditions. The design now mirrors common usage patterns, catering to those who often hold their phone while carrying a bag, a coffee, or simply multitasking.
Other refinements can be seen directly under the destination’s name. Instead of displaying a row of graphical stars to reflect ratings, the app now shows a concise numerical score alongside a single star icon. For example, the Golden Gate Bridge no longer has an illustrated 4.8 stars but rather a sleek “4.8 ★.” This approach saves visual space while still conveying the same information. Additionally, Google has shifted how review counts are displayed. A total like 83,669 ratings is now rounded for readability into “83.7K.” It’s a small touch that reduces clutter without removing context.
Even more thoughtfully, Google has promoted accessibility information, such as the wheelchair access icon, to a more prominent spot at the top of the info line. Labels that describe what kind of structure the destination is – for example, “Bridge” – are also displayed upfront. Travel time estimates have been pushed to a lower line, making the presentation more structured and less overwhelming at first glance.
A key theme of the Material 3 Expressive update is modernized containers. Instead of relying on thin dividing lines that could easily be overlooked, Maps now uses more visible blocks to separate information. Fields like the destination’s name, address, website, and contact number are now grouped in a way that looks like clearly segmented cards. This change echoes broader Material 3 design principles, which emphasize clarity, spacing, and ease of navigation over minimalistic lines that sometimes got lost in clutter.
For users eager to try the latest version, these changes are currently available in the Google Maps beta (version 25.37.x) for Android. To check which version you’re running, head into Settings > Apps > See all apps, scroll to Maps, tap on it, and then check the bottom of the App info page. If you don’t already have the app installed, it can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Although these adjustments might seem minor in isolation, they reflect a broader philosophy: Google is slowly reshaping Maps into an app that balances power with simplicity. Every touchpoint, from accessibility details to star ratings, is being re-examined for clarity, consistency, and usability. For users, the end result is a more polished and approachable tool that doesn’t sacrifice depth, even as it prioritizes ease of use.
1 comment
material 3 design lowkey looks slick