Google Clock's new timer UI is here, and your muscle memory won't like it

Google has rolled out a few updates as part of the September Android Drop, like Guided Vision for Gemini Live and a crossover between Google Messages and Keep. Not to be missed, the company is also giving the Google Clock app some attention. Specifically, the Timers tab is going to look a little different from how you remember.

In the UI you’re familiar with, the Timers tab features a large card with rounded numbers. The numbers are also rounded for the numeric keypad overlay, but these numbers are contained in a circular background. If you have more than one timer, this card gains an extra button at the bottom to close it so you can see your other timers. When there are multiple timers, they are arranged in a vertical pattern, allowing you to scroll through them.

Although your muscle memory may be attuned to the setup above, get ready to retrain it. A new UI is rolling out, and it not only updates the look, but also relocates some buttons and changes how you view multiple timers.

In the images below, you’ll see the new UI Google has prepared for this tab. The numbers are now flatter and sharper than before. You’ll also notice that the numbers in the number pad have lost their circular background. There are now 1, 5, 10, and 15-minute presets near the top. It’s also worth pointing out that the start button now appears above the number pad.

If you have multiple timers, an “X” button no longer appears on the timer card. Instead, there’s a handle at the top of the card that lets you slide it down to reveal the other timers. The other timers are now arranged in a grid pattern. This should make it easier to see multiple timers at the same time.

This UI change is gradually rolling out in the latest version (9.1) of the Clock app. It appears to be a server-side rollout, so you don’t have to do anything. We have spotted this new UI on a OnePlus 13R. We were also alerted to a user on Telegram who also has the new UI.