Google Photos is preparing for a targeted interface refresh, aiming to make navigation between content more immediate and to modernize some menus that have become dated.
A deep dive into the code present in the latest version of the application, conducted by Android Authority, has revealed in advance several functional and aesthetic changes ready to debut.
The update seems to want to solve some historic app frictions, introducing new shortcuts and a cleaner design for key settings.
Google Photos, a look at the new UI coming to your smartphone
The most relevant novelty concerns the management of files saved directly on the phone’s memory. Currently, those who use Google Photo as their main gallery, especially on Pixel devices, often encounter the difficulty of quickly retrieving images that are not synced or saved in specific folders, such as WhatsApp or Downloads.
These directories are today “hidden” within the Collection tab, under On this device, a placement that requires several steps to be reached.
To address this problem, Google is testing a new shortcut positioned directly in the app’s main header.
It is a folder-shaped icon that, when selected, immediately takes the user to the full list of local directories. This structural change would greatly reduce friction in daily use, putting the cloud library and the content physically present on the phone on the same level.
A more coherent and modern aesthetic
The refinements continue on the visual level as well, with the intent to align the user experience with the current Material Design standards.
Inside the Collection tab, the quick-access buttons at the top are about to leave the minimal style in place today in favor of solid, colorful buttons, designed to be more visible and easier to press.
Also the screen with the details of a single photo is being restyled: while the look is still evolving, early images show a reorganization of metadata and technical information to offer a clearer and less dispersive reading.
