Google is starting to roll out a fullscreen account switcher in its first-party apps, starting with Gmail for Android.
Previously, the Google Account switcher in the vast majority of first-party apps appeared as an overlay that usually takes up most of the screen, but lets you see what you previously interacted with in the background.
Google is now switching to a fullscreen account switcher that takes over everything. The background makes use of Dynamic Color theming, with an ‘X’ in the top-right corner. You can also close by going back or selecting an account.
The first thing on the page is your centered email address, which is followed by a large profile image and “Hi, [name]” with an exclamation point. Then there’s a large “Manage your Google Account” button.
Next is “Switch account,” with this list collapsible and offering shortcuts to “Add another account” and “Manage accounts on this device.” In Gmail, like before, you have a “Storage used” line. The final buttons on the page are “Privacy Policy” and “Terms of service.”
The fullscreen nature of this design is what’s most interesting. It does match the web UI for some cross-device consistency, but feels like too much interface and ultimately unnecessary. I don’t think most people think of account switching as warranting your entire screen. It should be a quick action.
On the flip side, this technically is more user-friendly to end users by being very obvious. With the old account switcher taking up most of your screen anyways, this might be a natural evolution. However, it’s unclear how this will look for apps that use the account menu to place settings and other shortcuts, like the Play Store. Gemini, and the Google (Search) app. Putting key navigation elements in a fullscreen menu inherently breaks continuity.
For power users, they can continue to swipe up/down (from 2019) on the circular profile picture to quickly switch accounts.
We’re seeing this UI in Gmail for Android with version 2024.11.24.x, but it’s not yet widely rolled out for all users. This is the only app we’re seeing this design change in as of today.
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