Google Maps’ shiny new icon is one step closer to a broader rollout

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• Google Maps’ new icon is now present in the app’s latest beta build.
• The icon retains the four core colors used by Google apps, but uses a severe blur to blend them together.
• There are other minor tweaks to the icon’s shape, too.

New Icon in the Beta Build

Back in November 2025, we reported on potential icon changes for two of Google’s properties, namely Photos and Maps. Now, it appears the latter product’s new icon could roll out sooner rather than later.

After installing the Google Maps beta version 26.09.06.873668274 on Android, we discovered that the app now uses a refreshed icon.

The new icon features the trademark red, blue, green, and yellow shades of Google icons, but offers a far more aggressive blur between them. It’s a rather attractive icon, and it meshes well with Google’s broader focus on blur in Android’s UI elements and its AI push.

Additionally, the center hole of the Maps pin is far larger than that of the older icon.

The changes to Google Maps’ icon come after the company rolled out updates to several of its other app icons in recent months, including the Google app’s “G” icon.

Since the new icon is present in Google Maps’ latest beta build, it shouldn’t be long before it lands on the stable version of the app. Note that the altered icon is only present in this build of the app and is not displayed in the Play Store or App Store listings for Maps.

While visual tweaks are nice, many users would still appreciate Google improving Maps’ functionality more than aesthetic changes, though aesthetic consistency across its properties is always welcome.

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