In a significant shift from its traditional design ethos, Google is reportedly embracing a more vibrant and gradient-centric aesthetic for its app icons. This evolution marks a departure from the minimalist style that has characterized the company’s branding for years.
Icon Redesign Details
According to insights from 9to5Google, the upcoming redesign will see popular applications such as Gmail, Google Drive, Calendar, and Meet adopting a bolder visual identity. The previously strict adherence to the four-color rule is being relaxed, allowing for a more diverse palette that enhances the individuality of each icon.
- Gmail: The iconic ‘M’ envelope shape will remain, but it will now feature a predominantly red hue, accented with subtle touches of yellow, green, and blue.
- Google Drive: In a notable change, the red has been completely eliminated. The new design showcases a rounded triangle filled with green, yellow, and blue.
- Google Docs: Retaining its vertical paper motif, it will continue to signify document creation.
- Google Sheets and Slides: Both applications will transition to a landscape orientation, reflecting their practical usage.
- Google Calendar: The four-color container is being replaced with a simpler, blue-centric flip-style icon.
- Google Meet: This app will adopt a striking yellow hue, marking a bold departure from its current design.
- Google Chat: The chat interface will feature a new green, pill-shaped bubble.
- Google Keep: The light bulb icon will take center stage, with the removal of the background page.
- Google Tasks: The checkmark will remain prominent within a button-like shape.
- Google Voice: This app will sport a more rounded phone icon, maintaining its light green color to connect it visually with Chat.
While these changes have generated excitement, Google has yet to roll out the updates. Currently, no server-side updates or beta versions are available, leaving users eagerly anticipating the official launch of this refreshed visual identity.