Google Messages tests new look for app bar

The app bar consists of the four-color “G” and Messages logo, the camera shortcut (for some users), search, and profile navigation. It usually comes with a lighter background than the conversation list if it’s in dark mode. Now, the app bar seems no longer themed differently and has the same background as the message list.

This makes the status, app bar, and list entirely “flat”. Only the “Start chat” button is different.

The change doesn’t affect functionality, and it’s only for dark mode. So far, the light mode appears similar. For now, it seems the change is in beta (version 20240521_00_RC00).