Google might change the way we answer calls: here’s what we know

Google is preparing a major change in how Android users answer calls, introducing a new gesture system that could replace the traditional swipe-up and swipe-down actions. The update has been spotted in the latest beta version of the Android Phone app, suggesting that this change may soon become official.

A new way to accept or reject calls

The new interface features a capsule-shaped design at the bottom of the screen, replacing the current system. Instead of swiping up to answer and down to decline, users will need to swipe right to accept a call and left to reject it. This adjustment may take some time to get used to, but it is designed to be intuitive and functional.

Additionally, Google is adding a new “Message” button positioned above the capsule, allowing users to send a quick text response if they cannot take the call. While this feature is not mandatory, it provides a convenient alternative for situations where answering immediately is not possible.

When will this update arrive?

There is no official release date for this feature, but its presence in beta testing suggests it could launch alongside Android 16. However, as with previous interface experiments, there is a chance that Google might modify or delay its rollout.

Unlike some Android updates that are exclusive to Pixel devices, this change is expected to roll out across all smartphones that use the Android Phone app, including models from brands like Sony and Samsung. While users might initially struggle with the transition, history shows that Android users eventually adapt to these interface changes over time.