After Google Calendar, Keep, Docs, Sheets and Slides, it is now the turn of Google Messages to acquire a Material You revamp. Messages v9.7’s latest beta update introduces a new Material You-inspired design, though it clearly looks like a work in progress.

The search bar at the top gets a pill-shaped overhaul from its previous rectangular shape. The floating action button to start a new chat at the bottom now has a more rounded rectangular appearance. Unlike other redesigned apps, these two UI elements don’t yet support the Dynamic Color theme for us, which means they don’t take on the tint of the wallpaper you’re using.

Left: Existing design, Law: Material you change

However, 9to5Google was able to activate other Material You elements in the app after forcibly quitting it, including Dynamic Color. For the post, the background of the app also takes on a light shade depending on the wallpaper. The chat bubbles in the conversation view, however, remain unchanged.

Pictures: 9to5Google

The first signs that the Google Messages app is getting a Material You overhaul appeared in June. Then, in early September, Google streamlined the user interface for attachments. With Android 12 slated for release on October 4, a complete overhaul of Google Messages’ Material You shouldn’t be too far off.

The Work in Progress theme is rolling out to the Play Store beta channel, which you can sign up for here. Alternatively, the download is also available on APK Mirror.

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