The redesigned Google app icons, which were leaked late last month, have started rolling out (via Android Authority).
These new icons are noticeably different from the icons you were used to, and apply to every currently updated Google Workspace app. So that means Docs, Sheets, Keep, and all the other Google apps you use.
New icons match the playful style of Material 3 Expressive and break all the previous rules
The new icons were originally spotted at the end of April, and it was clear at the time that it wouldn’t be long until Google started rolling them out for good. That rollout has now officially begun, with the redesigned icons starting to pop up in the Google app grid that’s available in the top-right of a new Chrome tab.
The redesigned icons are dramatically changed, and they break a number of the rules that Google had previously kept sacred. For instance, there’s no requirement to use all of Google’s colors anymore. Gmail continues to rock most of them, but you’ll find that Calendar, Meet, and Drive have all dropped various parts of Google’s iconic colors.
It’s a bold move, and it’s likely one Google can take because it’s no longer bothered about keeping a concrete brand identity going. Many of these Workspace tools have enough of their own brand and identity to stand alone now, and that’s reflected in how different they’re now allowed to be from each other.
Reactions to the new icons have been mixed. Some, like myself, are in favor of them. Too many of Google’s icons look the same, and that makes looking for a specific one a real pain. Others, however, dislike the cheapness, and that so much of Google’s obvious branding has been lost.
The rollout is far from complete yet. The icons are available in the aforementioned part of Chrome, and a few of the web apps have started to update their favicons too. Sheets and Docs have, but Calendar still shows the older icon.
Regardless of how you feel about these icons, they’ll be landing on your device soon. Personally, I’m largely in favor of them, but I can understand those who think they’re ugly or cheap.
Sadly for those who aren’t fans, the update will be coming regardless. I hope the next refresh, whenever it arrives, will be more to your taste.
