GoKawiilGoogle Messages testing redesigned layout with Gemini moved to header
An APK teardown of a recent Google Messages beta build reveals an unreleased interface change that relocates the Gemini shortcut to the top header, replacing the current search icon there. The Start Chat button shifts from the bottom-right corner to the bottom-center of the screen, and a new Search button joins it at the bottom, both expanding and collapsing based on user scrolling behavior.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This redesign signals Google's continued push to make Gemini more central and accessible within its core messaging app, likely to boost AI feature adoption. The repositioned, thumb-friendly controls also suggest Google is prioritizing one-handed usability and a more dynamic, context-aware interface as it prepares Messages for wider rollout.
- Gemini button moves to the app's top header, replacing the current search icon location.
- Start Chat and Search buttons relocate to the bottom of the screen and adapt dynamically while scrolling.
- The changes were found hidden in a recent beta APK teardown, not yet publicly released by Google.
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “Google Messages is getting ready for a big UI shuffle (APK teardown)”
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