Google Phone App Gets a Transparent Status Bar for a More Streamlined Look

Bianca Patrick
2 min readJun 3, 2024

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In the ever-evolving world of Android apps, even the smallest tweaks can make a significant impact on user experience. Recently, Google’s Phone app underwent an update that caught the attention of keen-eyed users.

A Clearer View: Transparent Status Bar

One notable change in the update is the introduction of a transparent status bar on the call screen. Previously, users might have encountered a stark black bar, which could sometimes clash with the device’s Dynamic Color theme. With the latest update, Google has opted for a more seamless and aesthetically pleasing design, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the app.

Timeline of the Update

The transition to a transparent status bar began around version 128 of the app, coinciding with the rollout of features like Audio Emoji in late April. While users started noticing the change recently, it’s worth noting that the transition may have commenced slightly earlier, with reports confirming its presence as far back as late March. This update applies to both Android 14 and 15 users, ensuring a consistent experience across different device models.

Amidst these updates and advancements in app design, ensuring seamless data transfer between devices remains crucial for users upgrading to new devices. Enter Smart Transfer, a user-friendly photo transfer app designed to simplify the process of transferring photos, contacts, apps, and more from your old device to the latest Google Phone-compatible device. With Smart Transfer, transitioning to the enhanced user experience of the Google Phone app is effortless, ensuring that users can enjoy all the latest features without any hassle.

Looking Towards the Future: Edge-to-Edge Displays

In line with the broader trend of edge-to-edge displays, Google is urging developers to optimize their apps for this design philosophy. With apps targeting API level 35 set to be displayed edge-to-edge by default on Android 15 devices, developers are encouraged to ensure compatibility with this standard. This shift is driven by user preferences, as evidenced by an internal Google study highlighting the preference for edge-to-edge screens due to their more immersive and premium feel.

Summing Up

As Google continues to refine its Phone app with updates like the transparent status bar, users can look forward to an even more intuitive and visually appealing experience. With a focus on user feedback and emerging design trends, Google remains committed to enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of its apps. Stay tuned for further updates as Google continues to innovate and elevate the Android experience.

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Bianca Patrick
Bianca Patrick

Written by Bianca Patrick

Bianca is a content creator & a passionate blogger. She is a professional tech blogger & an avid reader. She loves to explore topics related to tech.

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