Particle.news

Google Photos Starts Replacing Bottom Bar With Floating Toolbar on iOS

The pill-shaped bar reflects Google's practice of using floating toolbars for navigation contrary to Material 3's action‑only intent.

Overview

  • Users on iOS version 7.63 are seeing a persistent, pill-shaped toolbar in Photos that serves as the primary in-app navigation.
  • The floating bar groups tabs for Photos, Collections, and Create, with a separate circular button to the right for Search or Ask.
  • The new component sits higher on the screen than a traditional bottom bar to keep more of the photo grid visible and presents a lighter visual weight.
  • Droid Life notes the redesign appears mainly on main tabs, with some views reverting to the older pinned bar, indicating a partial rollout in the iOS app.
  • Android availability has not been confirmed, and the shift highlights tension with Material 3 guidance even as Google has used similar floating bars for navigation in apps like Chat.