We do not need to discuss how many millions of people Amazon’s Android app serves, but its design has been noticeably lagging behind the trend in UI design. The familiar app has a deep blue header with a rectangular search field alongside its signature yellow button and has only undergone slight aesthetic changes over the years, opting for seasonal header colours on holidays.
Over the weekend, Amazon started testing a new design for its Android app, and it looks like the overdue modernization of its app may be in the works at last.
What is New?
The latest design iteration introduces several key changes to the app’s interface:
A Pill-Shaped Search Bar
The old rectangular search field is brought to the new pill-shaped search bar. The placeholder text has changed too, from “Search Amazon” to “Search or ask a question.”
A Colorless Header
A simple, clean header has replaced the teal blue background. This minimalistic approach makes the design look more modern and straightforward.
More Screen Space
A slightly subtle, improvement for usability, the updated header seems to claim less vertical space for users, giving them more space to display promotional banners and/or product recommendations.
Amazon Lens + integrated Voice Search
Voice search and Amazon Lens stay the same, integrated into the search bar and maintained as a useful feature while following along with the new design feel.
Design Evolution: A Timeline
- Teal Design: A year ago, Amazon simplified the layout of its Android app by moving key functions (hamburger menu, cart, and search buttons) to a bottom navigation bar, giving it a new teal blue header.
- Festive Variants: In times of holiday, the teal header sometimes also adopts a green tinge.
- 2025 Update: The latest design strips out all branding and colour, instead opting for a monochrome, modern, pared-back look that somehow feels functional.
Geographic and Platform Inconsistencies
Interestingly, the new design has not gone live everywhere.
- India: Many Android devices have spotted the updated UI, likely meaning the region is testing the update.
- United States: Many still see that teal blue header and some devices have even reverted from being new to old.
- Web: The original blue and yellow look is still worn by Amazon’s website, and it has its distinct look.
It is a lack of UI consistency across apps and their web platforms, which I feel contributes to a fragmented state of Amazon’s UI in a way that may annoy their users.
Why Modernization Matters
Amazon’s e-commerce empire depends on its app, and a new, modern design shows Amazon is committed to making it easier for customers to use.
- Usability: Cleaner layout free of distraction, users will be better able to navigate the app.
- Visual Appeal: The app still looks contemporary and on par with competitors, and the minimalist design complements broader UI trends.
- Consistency: A consolidated app design across regions and devices would allow us to build cohesion in the brand experience.
Final Words
It is a welcome change for Amazon’s Android app, as the latest design is simpler and more modern. Of course, the inconsistent rollout may annoy some users, but it is obvious that work is being put in to make Amazon’s UI adopt contemporary design conventions.
Users will be left waiting to see Amazon bundles the app’s design across regions and devices. If the new look is just the start of Amazon becoming a more visually pleasing and easy-to-use marketplace for millions of Amazon shoppers everywhere, it could be the precursor to an interesting new phase for the world’s largest online retailer. Here, you can read Pixel users’ report data from after Google’s December update.
Ethan Cole is a tech aficionado dedicated to exploring the latest innovations and gadgets, providing reviews and insights to keep you updated in the tech world.
