Google is revamping app icons

Google is continuing its gradual redesign of its apps. After introducing new gradient icons in late 2025, the same design approach is now being rolled out to the rest of its services. According to 9to5Google, the new design ditches the previous uniform circular style that combined all the colors of the Google logo.

The new icons appear softer and more rounded, with subtle color transitions that range from pastel tones to more pronounced primary colors. This design is already visible in the updated Google logo and apps like Google Photos, Google Maps, and Gemini. According to sources, the new visual direction is said to reflect the greater role of artificial intelligence in the Google ecosystem.

The redesign follows broader design trends that are moving away from the minimalist design of the past decade. The new icons are bolder, more colorful, and easier to distinguish from each other. Apps like Google Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites, and Keep also see a change in their basic design, moving away from the vertical sheet of paper image and toward a more horizontal design that better suits actual use.

Some changes are more noticeable than others. For example, the Google Chat app is switching to a more monochrome, green icon that's reminiscent of the older Hangouts visuals. Most of the new icons feel more recognizable and modern, though not all of the changes have been equally well-received.

It is not yet known when the new icons will be officially available to all users.