Google is said to be developing a gradient color overhaul for its app icons for Maps and Photos. While the modification for the Photos app is rather simplistic, it appears that the individual petals are slightly broader. The change for the Maps icon is much more pronounced, as it takes on a somewhat stouter form and incorporates a smooth blend of colors.
As we transition into fall, Google is tidying up, refreshing the icons of apps you may use every day. The company has been known for its classic four-color scheme (red, blue, green, and yellow), but this has seen some subtle, more contemporary updates recently. According to a report from 9to5Google, it seems the company is gearing up to apply these same modifications to a few widely used apps. Through an unnamed insider, the source indicates that Google is planning to redesign the logos for Maps and Photos.
For the Photos icon, the redesign is definitely more straightforward. It seems that Google will be widening the individual petals a bit and fully embracing a rounder design approach. However, in terms of the gradient, the Photos app does not display it as prominently. The redesign features a brighter spot in the center that aims to suggest a gradient, which only comes across rather subtly.
One can faintly observe how the colors gradually transition between shades, but perhaps once it’s on our devices, it will be more visible.
In contrast, the changes for Maps are more noticeable, as the company chooses to enlarge the pin’s center and smooth out the colors, allowing them to blend together seamlessly. It’s clear how the hues merge from yellow to orange to red and then to purple. The Google Maps icon also appears a bit sturdier, with the empty center being somewhat wider.
Though nothing has officially rolled out yet, it seems we should at least anticipate these icon redesigns to be unveiled in the future.
Since May, Google has begun refreshing its on-device app logos and even those displayed in other locations. During the spring announcement of Android updates, the company unveiled its newer, more vibrant “G” logo. Similar to the reported updates for Maps and Photos, the Google app underwent a refresh featuring a gradient color effect.
The updated icon was initially observed on the Apple App Store, prior to its anticipated launch on the Play Store. This modification served as a precursor to something larger, which ultimately materialized in late September. The change to the “G” logo aligned with the company’s advancements in AI and tools like Gemini. This logo shift marked a significant transition as Google leaned more into its AI developments, showcasing the gradient update across its entire brand.
We have been anticipating the gradient modifications to be applied to even more applications, and it seems we can at least look forward to them for Maps and Photos in the future. The only remaining question is whether Google Chrome will undergo a similar transformation, considering blue occupies the center of the browser’s logo.
