Get ready for a major shift in how you navigate Google Photos! The familiar bottom bar is being replaced by a sleek, floating toolbar, and it’s already rolling out on iOS. But here’s where it gets interesting: this change isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s part of a broader trend across Google’s Android apps, though Google Photos was the last holdout. Now, the question is: will this new design enhance your experience or leave you missing the old layout?
Let’s dive into the details. The floating toolbar, designed for Photos, Collections, and Create, sits in a pill-shaped container at the bottom of the screen. When you’re browsing a specific tab, a corresponding pill indicator and icon appear on the left, while a floating action button (FAB) on the right lets you quickly Search or Ask. Unlike the bottom bar it replaces, this toolbar is lighter and stays visible as you scroll, positioned high enough to keep your focus on the images below—a thoughtful touch for photo enthusiasts.
But here’s the controversial part: According to Material 3 Expressive guidelines, this floating toolbar isn’t technically meant for navigation. Instead, it’s designed to house “frequently used actions relevant to the current page.” Think of it like the archive and delete buttons on an email page—handy, but not navigational. Yet, Google has been using it for navigation since its debut in Google Chat two years ago. So, is this a case of Google bending its own rules, or a practical evolution of design?
For now, the Google Photos floating toolbar is exclusive to iOS (version 7.63), but we’re hopeful updated design guidelines will shed more light on its purpose and future. And this is the part most people miss: while it’s a small change, it could signal bigger shifts in how Google approaches app design across platforms.
What do you think? Is the floating toolbar a step forward, or do you prefer the old bottom bar? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this design evolution!
FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More. (https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate)
