Google Photos makes a change, now showcasing a constant M3 backup icon
Google Photos has introduced a new backup indicator as part of its latest update, version 7.39, which started rolling out in early August 2025. This update leverages the new Material 3 Expressive framework, a key aspect of Android 16 UX updates.
The new backup indicator is a visually prominent, animated pill-shaped status bar that provides continuous clarity on the backup process. It replaces the previous subtle ring around the user avatar and is more eye-catching than the old one.
Upon opening the app, users will see a "Backup complete" message, animated like a pinwheel turning into a chip, indicating that the backup process has successfully finished. When the backup is running, the indicator changes to "Preparing backup" followed by "Backing up photos" accompanied by a wavy circular progress animation.
Tapping or dragging down the redesigned backup indicator reveals additional details, including the number of photos backed up to the account. The indicator does not differentiate between photo and video backups.
One notable change is that the app no longer shows the "Google Photos" text in the top-left corner. Instead, it briefly displays the app icon on startup before animating into the backup status chip.
In addition to the redesigned backup indicator, Google Photos is also introducing a Remix and Create tab and a free photo-to-video feature. However, the perspective correction editing tool has gone missing for some users, and the photo view has been redesigned, with 'Add to' replacing Lens.
This redesign of the backup indicator is part of Google Photos' ongoing efforts to improve user awareness and interaction with backup status. The new design is expected to enhance the user experience, making it easier for users to keep track of their backup process. The update is currently rolling out, but it's not yet fully available for all users.
- After the Google Photos update, users will find the backup indicator more eye-catching compared to its previous version, as it's a visually prominent, animated pill-shaped status bar that shows "Backup complete" when the process is finished, \nabdusing a pinwheel-to-chip animation.
- The new backup indicator in Google Photos is not only visually appealing but also functional, as it provides continuous clarity on the backup process, differentiating between stages like "Preparing backup," "Backing up photos," and offering additional details on the backed-up photos, all within a wavy circular progress animation.
