Google Photos Gets a Floating Toolbar: A Sign of Things to Approach for Android?
Google Photos is rolling out a new floating toolbar on iOS, a move that signals a broader design shift across Google’s app ecosystem. This change, currently exclusive to version 7.63 of the iOS app, replaces the traditional bottom navigation bar with a pill-shaped, persistent toolbar. While seemingly a small adjustment, it reflects Google’s commitment to Material 3 design guidelines and could foreshadow similar updates for Android users.
The Rise of the Floating Toolbar
For some time, most Google Android apps have adopted a short bottom bar for navigation. Google Photos was a notable exception – until now. The new floating toolbar houses key actions: Photos, Collections, and Create. When a specific tab is selected, an accompanying icon appears to the left, providing clear visual feedback. A floating action button (FAB) on the right offers quick access to Search and Ask features.
Unlike the bottom bar it replaces, this toolbar doesn’t auto-hide when scrolling, ensuring constant access to core functions. Its placement is optimized to remain visible without obscuring content, offering a balance between accessibility and screen real estate.
Material 3 and the Evolution of App Navigation
This design isn’t a radical departure; it aligns with Google’s Material 3 “Expressive” guidelines. These guidelines don’t intend for floating toolbars to replace bottom navigation entirely. Instead, they are designed to house “frequently used actions relevant to the current page.” Google’s own examples, like the archive and delete buttons in Google Chat, demonstrate this principle.
Google Chat implemented a similar floating toolbar two years ago, suggesting a deliberate, phased rollout of this design element across its apps. The Google Photos Albums view already showcases this toolbar effectively, providing a glimpse of its potential within the broader Photos experience.
What Does This Mean for Android Users?
Currently, the floating toolbar is exclusive to the iOS version of Google Photos. However, its introduction suggests that Android users may see a similar change in the future. This shift could be part of a larger effort to standardize the user experience across platforms and align with the latest Material 3 design principles.
The benefits of a floating toolbar include improved accessibility, a cleaner interface, and a more consistent experience across Google’s suite of apps. It also allows for a more focused design, prioritizing frequently used actions without cluttering the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a floating toolbar?
A floating toolbar is a persistent navigation element that remains visible on the screen even when scrolling. It typically houses frequently used actions for the current page.
Will this change come to Android?
While currently only available on iOS, the introduction of the floating toolbar in Google Photos suggests that Android users may see a similar update in the future.
What is Material 3?
Material 3 is Google’s latest design system, focusing on expressive and adaptable user interfaces. It provides guidelines for creating consistent and visually appealing apps.
Pro Tip: Explore the new toolbar in Google Photos on iOS to familiarize yourself with its features and how it enhances the user experience. This will give you a head start when (and if) the update arrives on Android.
Aim for to stay up-to-date on the latest Google Photos features and design changes? Check out our other articles on 9to5Google for in-depth coverage, and analysis.
