Google Messages is testing two homepage changes in the beta channel: a redesign of pinned chats and a new placement for search. These tests are in addition to the new app icon and have not yet been widely rolled out to testers.

Pinned chats move above the full chat list

Instead of pinned chats just appearing at the top of the list, Google Messages is trying a redesign that significantly elevates them above all conversations. The layout uses the existing background layer that is currently home to the logo/wordmark, search, and account menu.

A preview titled “New pinned messages UI” by Reddit user u/iiDez in GoogleMessages shows large contact photos above all chats, pushing the list of other conversations down the page. Like iMessage on iOS, the article notes, this layout has the downside of not showing any history or last sent information.

Search becomes a floating action button beside new chat

Google is also testing another change where search becomes a centered floating action button (FAB) alongside new chat. A preview titled “New UI Design?” by Reddit user u/000CuriousBunny000 in GoogleMessages illustrates the behavior.

When scrolling down the page, users see “Search” in a pill-shaped button, with the other button minimized. Otherwise, the interface shows a circular magnifying glass icon and “Start chat” in the pill. The animation that accompanies this change looks nice and feels alive. The article calls it a nice change for one-handed usage and says it is unclear whether Google is removing the Gemini FAB with this update.

Rollout status and related changes

These updates are currently in the beta channel and not yet widely rolled out to testers. The source also pointed to other Google Messages coverage: Google rolling out gradient icon redesigns for Contacts, Messages, and Phone; Google Messages rolling out Enhanced Protection mode against spam and scams; and Google Messages rolling out a new long-press menu with partial copying. The article also included an FTC affiliate-link disclosure.