Google has made a series of refinements to the Android version of Google Maps as part of its ongoing Material 3 Expressive redesign. The changes are subtle but aimed at improving usability, particularly for those who use the app one-handed.
One of the key adjustments involves the navigation tabs. Previously housed in a carousel at the top of the Overview page, options such as Directions, Start, Ask, and Call are now fixed to the bottom of the display. This relocation makes them easier to reach with a thumb, reducing the need to stretch across the screen. To accommodate the shift, other sections like Overview, Reviews, Photos, Updates, and About have been moved just above the image preview section.
The way ratings and details are displayed has also been streamlined. Instead of showing a row of stars with partial fills, Google Maps now simply lists the average score numerically next to a single star icon—for example, “4.8 ★” instead of a visual four-and-three-quarter stars. The number of reviews has also been shortened, converting “83,669 ratings” into “83.7K.” Accessibility information, such as wheelchair access, has been moved higher in the layout for quicker visibility.
Material 3 Expressive design principles are also more evident in the updated app. Containers now separate different pieces of information—like an address, phone number, and website—into distinct blocks, making the interface cleaner and easier to scan. Previously, these sections were divided by faint lines that could be overlooked.
The redesign is currently live in the Google Maps beta app (version 25.37.x) for Android, and will likely expand to the stable release in the near future. Users can check their version by heading into Android settings under Apps > Maps > App info.
These updates may seem incremental, but they highlight Google’s approach of iterating on design for clarity and ergonomics rather than sweeping visual overhauls. By making ratings easier to read and controls more accessible, the company is aiming to make day-to-day navigation feel less cluttered and more intuitive.
