Google's much-improved app icons are rolling out now

At a glance:

• Google is rolling out redesigned app icons that improve visual differentiation between its services
• The redesign began with Google Maps and is now expanding to other apps including Gmail
• The new icons feature more depth and resemble Google's recently introduced 3D emoji for Android

The Evolution of Google's Icon Design

About five years ago, Google redesigned the icons for most of its apps and services, including widely-used tools like Drive, Meet, Calendar and others. The internet's response was not positive, and with good reason. Many correctly pointed out that Google removed the individual defining characteristics of its icons, replacing them with an outline made up of the company's signature four colors. If you look closely, you'll recognize the outline of a document for Google Docs, or a camera for Meet. But at a glance, the new icons were much harder to differentiate than the ones they replaced.

This lack of visual distinction became a significant usability issue for users navigating between multiple Google services. The previous generation of icons had unique elements that made each app immediately recognizable, but the redesign sacrificed this clarity for a more uniform aesthetic. The result was a collection of colorful outlines that, while visually consistent, failed to provide the quick visual cues that users had come to rely on when switching between applications.

A Shift in Design Philosophy

In a win for legibility, Google is changing course. The company started with a more distinctive icon for Google Maps a few months ago, one that has more depth while still incorporating Google's colors and the ubiquitous pin design. This initial redesign signaled a shift in Google's approach to iconography, moving away from the minimalist outlines toward something more substantial and immediately recognizable.

The Maps redesign wasn't an isolated experiment but rather the beginning of a broader reconsideration of Google's visual language. By adding depth and more distinctive elements, the new Maps icon demonstrated that Google could maintain its design consistency while improving usability. This approach appears to be the foundation for the current wave of icon updates across the entire Google ecosystem.

The Current Rollout

Now, with Google I/O just one day away, those redesigned icons are rolling out across multiple platforms and applications. The first place many users are noticing them is in the Gmail app switcher, where new designs have appeared across the board. However, these icons haven't propagated everywhere yet; clicking into Drive or Calendar still shows the older versions.

The rollout appears to be happening in stages rather than all at once. In addition to Gmail, a number of Google apps on iOS have also been updated with new icons, suggesting that Google is conducting a full-scale launch across both Android and iOS platforms. This phased approach allows Google to monitor feedback and make adjustments before the complete transition is complete.

User Experience Improvements

The redesigned icons represent a significant improvement in user experience, addressing one of the primary criticisms of Google's previous design language. The new icons feature more depth, distinctive elements, and better visual differentiation, making it much easier for users to identify apps at a quick glance. This is particularly valuable for power users who frequently switch between multiple Google services.

The design also appears to be more aligned with modern design trends that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. While the previous icons were visually cohesive, they sacrificed practicality for consistency. The new generation strikes a better balance, maintaining Google's distinctive color palette while providing the visual cues that users need for efficient navigation.

Connection to Android 17

Interestingly, these redesigned icons call to mind the redesigned 3D emoji that Google introduced last week as part of Android 17. This suggests a broader design evolution across Google's product ecosystem, with a renewed focus on depth, dimensionality, and visual richness. The connection between the icon redesign and the new emoji system indicates a cohesive design direction that extends beyond individual apps to the entire Android experience.

This alignment between different design elements helps create a more unified user experience across Google's platforms. When users see the new icons alongside the updated emoji, they experience a consistent visual language that reinforces Google's brand identity while improving usability. This holistic approach to design is a significant departure from the more fragmented design language of the previous generation.

What to Expect Next

If you're not seeing the new icons yet, it's worth being patient. They've arrived on numerous devices and across multiple Google accounts, indicating that Google is conducting a full-scale rollout. The timing, just before Google I/O, suggests that the company may announce additional details about the redesign during its keynote.

Google I/O is scheduled for tomorrow at 1PM ET, and the company will likely provide more context about the icon redesign and its place in Google's broader design strategy. For those interested in following the announcement, Google will be live-blogging the keynote, offering real-time coverage of the event.