Last month, Google already showcased a glimpse of Material 3 Expressive design that is going to make its way to the Wear OS-powered smartwatches, including Samsung Galaxy watches. Now, a new report claims that an all new Google Maps UI spotted testing Material 3 Expressive design on Wear OS 5.
Looks like Google Maps on Wear OS based smartwatches is receiving a major revamp, and too with an older watch version. Google seems to be testing a redesigned Google Maps UI that is in line with Google’s Material 3 Expressive design.
Basically, a Telegram user, Hardik (Via Android Authority), shared (through a video) that he has spotted various changes within the UI of Google Maps on his Galaxy Watch 4 running Google Map’s version, 25.23.01.766241648.W, while also claiming that the latest design consists of much more large icons alongside a stunning layout that features smoother transitions and better scrolling animations that perfectly sits across the watch’s curved display.
At the same time, the navigation is more compact with clearer icons, which offers a more sophisticated and minimal icons and everything seems bigger and more enhanced layout; however, previous Google Maps UI hides out the options into a stacked list.
Beyond this, it looks like Google is consistently moulding every change for a more efficient performance and functionality across the apps that work in the Wear OS watches, including Samsung’s.
Well, only a few smartwatch owners running Wear OS 5 are seeing the new UI changes that resembles Material 3 Expressive design; however, the wider rollout is yet to be confirmed. Not just that, the change has been spotted on an current Wear OS version, with Wear OS 6 already on the way, Google appears to not be waiting for the next version to offer this newer change.
