Google Chrome Android Receives Material 3 Expressive UI Update

Google Chrome for Android has begun rolling out a long-awaited Material 3 Expressive user interface update. The visual changes, initially introduced in a phased rollout at the end of August, are now available to all users with Chrome version 141.

The new design brings Google Chrome’s Android interface in line with the design language used in other Google applications. Key changes include redesigned icons with circular and cornered boxes highlighting user interactions, intended to improve the touchscreen experience on mobile devices. The three-dot menu now displays frequently used actions such as bookmarks, downloads, site information, and refresh with circular icons at the top of the screen.

When revisiting saved pages, the star icon now features a rounded square background, visually differentiating active actions. The “new tab” button in the new tab view is now housed within a rounded square with a dynamic, color-based background. Tab, Incognito, and Group Switching buttons are also placed in their own distinct containers, increasing visual clarity.

Tab Groups are themed based on user-selected colors. While Google is also testing a Material 3 Expressive approach to the address bar, this change is not yet active for all users. Some users are experiencing a rounded corner progress indicator during page loading, offering a more modern alternative to the classic loading bar. Button sizes have not been increased, maintaining a compact and aesthetic look.

The UI update was distributed via a server-side change. Users still displaying the previous interface are advised to restart Chrome via the application settings by selecting “Force Stop.”