Google continues to refresh its product icons to reflect the age of artificial intelligence. This shift began with the Google Search icon, which resembled the letter “G,” followed by the Gemini logo. Now, it’s Google Maps and Google Photos’ turn. The icons for these two popular services are now also getting a gradient design.

Google’s Change: Maps and Photos Get New Gradient Logos

Google explained the philosophy behind the transition to a gradient design earlier this year. According to the company, this design stays true to Google’s iconic four colors while also using brighter hues. This new, color-gradient look symbolizes the rise of AI-driven innovation and creative energy in its products and technology. The “G” logo, which originally represented the Search app, has now been expanded to encompass the entire Google brand. The tech giant promised that this update would expand to more products, platforms, and services in the coming months.

According to the new leaked images, the Google Maps icon retains its basic shape. The icon will still be a location pin. However, the design has been modernized and slimmed down. The circle in the center of the icon has been significantly enlarged, and the diagonal sections that previously separated different shades of blue have been removed. This simplification aims to emphasize that Gemini’s AI features can now be used within place listings.

The Google Photos icon retains its classic pinwheel shape. In the new design, the gradient effect radiates outward from the center of the icon. This new look represents the AI-powered features offered by the service. Google Photos now includes advanced capabilities such as Remix, photo-to-video (Veo), speech editing, and Gemini-powered “Ask Photos.” It’s also been reported that a feature called “Nano Banana” will be added to Google Photos.

It’s still unclear when these new gradient icons will be available to users. However, since the aforementioned AI features are already in the apps, the update is expected to be released any day now. What do you think of Google’s new gradient design language? You can share your thoughts in the comments.