Google has introduced a significant redesign of the Account menu across its suite of iOS applications, aligning the user interface with the recent updates seen on Android platforms. This overhaul aims to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience for iOS users.
Transition from Floating Window to Sliding Panel
Previously, accessing the Account menu in Google apps on iOS involved tapping the profile picture located in the top-right corner, which would open a floating window displaying all accounts signed into the device. This design allowed users to view the app’s background, maintaining context while switching accounts.
With the new design, Google has shifted to a panel that slides up from the bottom of the screen. This panel prominently displays the user’s Gmail address at the top, accompanied by a large circular avatar and a personalized greeting, such as Hi, [name]! A more prominent Manage your Google Account button is also featured. The Switch account dropdown menu allows users to add another account or manage existing accounts on the device. Each element is housed within a Material 3 Expressive container, enhancing the visual appeal and consistency across Google’s ecosystem.
Introduction of ‘More from [App]’ Section
Below the account management options, a new More from [app] section has been introduced. This area lists app-specific actions, such as settings or other secondary navigation options pertinent to the application in use. As users scroll down, the profile image becomes docked next to the email address at the top line, ensuring that key information remains accessible.
Adaptations for iPad Users
For iPad users, the redesign takes a slightly different approach. Instead of occupying the entire screen, the Account menu appears as a floating window, preserving more of the app’s background and context. This adaptation acknowledges the larger screen real estate available on iPads and aims to optimize the user experience accordingly.
Balancing Prominence and Context
The redesigned interface is more prominent and user-friendly, making account management options more obvious. However, by taking over the entire screen on iPhones, some context from the underlying app is lost. This design choice mirrors the interface already present on the web, aiming for consistency across platforms.
Quick Account Switching Remains Unchanged
Despite the redesign, users can still quickly switch between accounts by swiping up or down on the profile image. This gesture allows for seamless account transitions without leaving the app’s homepage, maintaining efficiency in user interactions.
Scope of the Redesign Across Google Apps
The redesigned Account menu has been implemented across most Google apps on iOS. Applications such as Gemini, Google Home, Photos, and Translate have integrated many items into the account menu, streamlining navigation. In contrast, Google Workspace apps—including Docs, Drive, Gmail, Keep, Meet, Sheets, Slides, and Tasks—have not yet adopted this new design.
Notably, major applications like Google Search and Maps have not been updated with the new Account menu design. Additionally, the YouTube family of apps continues to maintain their own distinct design language, separate from this recent update.
Conclusion
Google’s redesign of the Account menu in its iOS applications reflects a commitment to enhancing user experience through more intuitive and consistent interfaces. By aligning the design across platforms and introducing user-friendly features, Google aims to streamline account management and navigation within its apps. As this redesign rolls out across more applications, users can anticipate a more cohesive and efficient interaction with Google’s suite of services on iOS devices.
