Google is now refreshing the app icons of Photos and Maps. The two apps follow some others that have adopted a new design over the past few months. The tweaks are in line with Google’s approach to match the AI era.

Recently, Photos and Maps, two of the most important Google apps, have received updated icons, 9to5Google reports. The icons retain the iconic 4-color palette, but the gradient design language makes them look pleasing.

Google said regarding gradient icon refresh:

“While staying true to Google’s iconic four colors, the brighter hues and gradient design symbolize the surge of AI-driven innovation and creative energy across our products and technology.”

Google Photos

Google Photos app’s icon has added a gradient effect, which looks shiny from the inside out. The icon’s inner portion looks transparent, which will better maintain the design aesthetics on your smartphone’s home screen.

Google Maps

The Maps app’s icon has the same pill, but Google has modernized the shape and made it thinner. As a result, the inner circle has turned significantly larger, and the diagonal partitions of Blue shades are being wiped out.

Credit – 9to5Google

Google’s approach to redesigning app icons with gradient effects is strategic. It’s paining only those icons that feature Gemini AI integration. The Maps and Photos apps help you utilize key Gemini abilities seamlessly.

The new app icons will soon show up on your Android smartphone. The two will join the growing list of Google apps. Meanwhile, it remains unclear when Google will begin the rollout of redesigned app icons to users.

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