Google is embracing a fresh aesthetic as it prepares to update the icons for two of its widely used applications: Maps and Photos. This redesign marks a shift from the traditional four-color palette—red, blue, green, and yellow—that has long been synonymous with the tech giant.
What you need to know
- Google is reportedly working on a gradient color redesign for its app icons for Maps and Photos.
- While the Photos’ app change is more minimalistic, it seems that the individual petals are a little wider.
- The Maps icon sees a bigger change, as it appears a little more stout, and as it adopts that seamless blend between hues.
The anticipated changes, first highlighted by 9to5Google, indicate that Google has been refreshing its app logos since May, aligning with its broader branding strategy. The new gradient effect was initially introduced with the updated “G” logo during Google’s spring announcements, which coincided with the company’s advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly with tools like Gemini.
These updates reflect a modernized approach to branding, moving away from flat colors towards a more dynamic and visually appealing gradient. The new icon for Photos, while subtle, features slightly wider petals, enhancing its overall aesthetic. In contrast, the Maps icon undergoes a more pronounced transformation, adopting a stout appearance and a seamless blend of colors that adds depth and vibrancy.
The updated icons were first noticed on the Apple App Store, hinting at their imminent arrival on the Play Store. As Google continues to evolve its visual identity, the question remains whether other applications, such as Google Chrome, will also receive a similar gradient makeover, especially given the prominence of blue in the browser’s current icon.
