Google is starting to roll out a fullscreen account switcher in its first-party apps, starting with Gmail for Android.
Previously, most first-party apps featured the Google Account Switcher as an overlay that usually took up most of the screen, but let you see who you interacted with in the background.
Google is now switching to a fullscreen account switcher that handles everything. The background uses a dynamic color theme, with an ‘X’ in the top-right corner. You can also turn it off by going back or selecting an account.
The first thing on the page is your centered email address, followed by a large profile image and “Hi, (Name)” with an exclamation point. Then there’s a big “Manage your Google Account” button.
Next is “Switch account”, this list can be collapsed and offered shortcuts to “Add another account” and “Manage accounts on this device”. In Gmail, as before, you have a “Storage Used” line. The last buttons on the page are “Privacy Policy” and “Terms of Service.”
What’s most interesting is the fullscreen nature of this design. It matches the web UI for some cross-device consistency, but feels like too much of an interface and ultimately unnecessary. I don’t think most people think of account switching as a guarantee of your perfect screen. This should be immediate action.
On the other hand, it is more user-friendly for end users as it is very clear technically. With the old account switcher taking up most of your screen anyway, this might be a natural evolution. However, it’s unclear how this will look for apps that use the Account menu to hold other shortcuts like Settings and the Play Store. Gemini, and Google (Search) app. Putting main navigation elements in a fullscreen menu naturally breaks continuity.
For power users, they can continue to swipe up/down (Since 2019) On the circular profile picture to quickly switch accounts.
We’re seeing this UI in Gmail for Android Version 2024.11.24.xBut it has not yet been widely launched for all users. This is the only app in which we are seeing this design change to date.
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