The majority of Google apps have updated their bottom bars to the latest Material 3 design. The Google (Search) app did something similar last year and then went back, but now it’s back.
Updated 10/31: The bottom bar for Material 3 is now visible on the stable channel in Google Apps 15.42. Navigation rails have been updated on tablets and foldable devices.
Original 10/10: It’s very simple, as it uses a pill-shaped indicator to show which tab you’re currently viewing. Google apps still use a short bottom bar like some other first-party clients, but without dynamic color themes.
This change follows updated shortcuts under the search bar to make the whole app a little more modern.
That particular change and the new bottom bar have not yet been rolled out to the stable channel. If you are using the latest beta version (version 15.40), force stop loading the Material 3 bottom bar from app info.
Why it took so long to implement this is another question. Perhaps the Android app will eventually look similar to the iOS version, removing text labels and possibly adding other tabs such as notifications.
Google app details:
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