Google’s Material 3 Expressive design has started rolling out to the stable version of the Chrome browser, following its initial announcement in May 2024 and subsequent testing phases across various Google applications.
The Material 3 Expressive design was first introduced in Chrome’s Canary channel in June before making its way to the stable branch. As Google began the rollout over the weekend, users can now expect to see the updated interface on their devices.
Several changes are immediately noticeable in the updated Chrome browser. The page loading indicator now features rounded corners, providing a softer visual cue. Furthermore, icons accessed via the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner have been redesigned and are now encased in circular containers.
The update also brings notable alterations to the tab grid page. The New Tab button is now enclosed in a square box, enhancing its visibility. Additionally, a new incognito icon is present on the tab grid page, and the total number of tabs and tab groups is displayed inside a rectangular box.
Significant updates have been made to the tab group UI, aiming to enhance the overall user experience. The selected color for a tab group is now applied to the entire group of tabs, rather than just a dot on the tab group card, offering a more visually cohesive experience.
Despite these changes, Google has largely maintained Chrome’s traditional design elements within the Material 3 Expressive UI. This ensures a familiar experience for long-time users while incorporating modern design principles. The updated UI is designed to provide a more colorful look to Chrome’s tab group feature, enhancing user experience through subtle yet impactful design tweaks.
