Leaked photos of new Google Maps and Photos icons. Do you like them more than the old ones?

Google is abandoning the classic four colors in favor of gradients. After the search icon and Gemini, it’s time for Google Maps and Photos. Images of new icons have leaked, which are meant to symbolize the arrival of artificial intelligence in these applications.

Gradient as a symbol of the AI era

This May, Google introduced a new Search app icon, which shed the classic four solid colors in favor of a gradient. A month later, the same fate befell the Gemini icon. In September, Google finally explained the reasoning behind it:

“While we remain true to Google’s iconic four colors, brighter hues and a gradient design symbolize a wave of AI-powered innovation and creative energy across our products and technologies.”

Furthermore, the gradient G has expanded beyond search and now represents all of Google – both the brand and the company. The company promised to continue updating other products in the coming months. And now we know which apps are next.

New Maps and Photos icons leaked

9to5Google got their hands on images of the new Google Maps and Google Photos icons. Both have undergone significant modernization, while retaining their basic shape.

Google Map si sice ponechává ikonický špendlík, ale jeho tvar je výrazně modernější a tenčí. Vnitřní kruh je větší a Google se zbavil diagonálních přepážek, které dříve obsahovaly dva odstíny modré. Změna odráží integraci Gemini do výpisů míst v mapách.

Google Photos retains the same basic shape – the colorful pinwheel – but the gradient now radiates from the inside out. When you zoom in on the icon, the inner part looks almost transparent. However, as a small desktop icon, it should work well. Photos offer AI features like Remix, video generation from photos (Veo), conversational editing, or Ask Photos powered by Gemini. The Nano Banana feature will also be added soon.

When will the change appear for users?

It’s unclear exactly when Google will roll out the new icons. Given that AI features are already in play, it could happen at any time. Google tends to introduce these changes gradually, so don’t be surprised if the new icon appears for you a few days later than for a friend.

Gradients are a controversial topic in graphic design. Some users will appreciate the more modern look, while others will lament the loss of readability and simplicity of the old icons. However, Google apparently believes that a visual change will help people realize that products are gaining new AI capabilities. Whether that’s a good reason for a redesign, everyone will have to judge for themselves.

What do you think of the new Google app icons?

Source: 9to5google