Google Translate has been on a tear lately, and it’s not just prepping for its flashy new AI-powered features like Insights, Ask a Question, and Practice. A fresh wave of UI updates is now heading toward one of its most underrated tools: Conversation mode. Thanks to a deep dive by AssembleDebug over at Android Authority, we’re getting our first look at what’s coming in version 9.13.97 — and it’s clear Google is putting Gemini front and center.
A great app gets better
Already one of the most useful free apps ever
The headline here is a sweeping visual overhaul. Gone is the utilitarian look of the current interface, replaced with a richer, more polished layout. Right at the top of the revamped Conversation screen, you’ll now find a bold “Built with ✦Gemini” label — a not-so-subtle nod to Google’s growing reliance on its in-house AI. There’s also a disclaimer tucked neatly at the bottom reminding users that, yes, generative AI can still get things wrong. Fair warning.
But this isn’t just a reskin. Functionally, the new UI is smarter and more interactive. One of the more user-friendly additions is a set of language suggestion chips, designed to help users quickly switch the second speaker’s language. It’s not hard to imagine these adapting dynamically based on your region or recent usage, a move that echoes Translate’s push toward context-aware features.
The redesigned landing page and easy access automatic mode. All screenshots courtesy of AssembleDebug via Android Authority.
There’s also a new button to toggle auto-playback, which used to be hidden behind the settings menu — a small but welcome quality-of-life tweak. However, not everything’s more convenient: the manual mode toggle has been demoted, now buried deeper in the Settings sheet. That means a few extra taps for those who prefer the old-school two-microphone manual setup.
Manual mode is still there, and considerably easier to keep track of.
Speaking of manual mode, it’s getting its own share of visual polish. For users who want to control the mic flow themselves, the new interface keeps things tidy and readable, especially in ongoing conversations. Inline translations are more clearly separated, and speaker identification has seen a notable boost in clarity — crucial when you’re juggling rapid back-and-forths.
The upcoming Face to Face automatic mode (1) and manual mode redesigns (2,3).
Then there’s face-to-face mode — Translate’s clever UI trick that flips the conversation for easy back-and-forths while sharing a single device. This, too, is getting a facelift, with the same Gemini branding and a more modern design. Like the main conversation mode, the face-to-face version benefits from the new inline styling and better speaker cues.
All these updates point toward one thing: Google is setting the stage for a deeper Gemini integration throughout Translate. While the features are still hidden behind the scenes for now, it’s clear the company’s looking to make the app more intelligent, more conversational, and — frankly — more helpful.
As of now, these changes haven’t been officially announced or rolled out widely, so if you’re not seeing them yet, don’t panic. We’ll be keeping an eye on the rollout and will report back once Google flips the switch. Stay tuned, because Translate’s next chapter is looking pretty smart.
