Mountain View, CA – May 13, 2025 — Nearly a decade after Google introduced its now-iconic Product Sans logo in 2015, the tech giant is giving its signature “G” icon a fresh splash of color. In a subtle but eye-catching redesign, the familiar circular logo is shifting from four solid color segments to a smooth, vibrant gradient — a move that aligns with Google’s broader design evolution in the AI era.
A Decade Later, a Fresh Take on the “G”
Back in September 2015, Google transitioned from its traditional serif logo to the clean, modern Product Sans typeface. That update also brought with it the multicolored uppercase “G” icon that most of us now associate with Google apps and services. Since then, the icon has become a constant companion across platforms — from browser favicons and phone apps to smart displays.
Now, in 2025, that same “G” is getting a fresh coat of digital paint.
The new version replaces the four distinct red, yellow, green, and blue segments with a fluid gradient, where red softly transitions into yellow, yellow into green, and green into blue. The result is a more vibrant, unified icon that feels dynamic without straying from Google’s identity.
Why the Change? A Nod to Gemini and Material Design
This gradient overhaul is more than just a visual update. It reflects Google’s ongoing design language inspired by Gemini AI experiences and the expressive philosophy behind Material You and Material 3. If you’ve used Google Search’s AI Mode, you might’ve already noticed a similar colorful transition in action — now, the core Google icon is catching up.
The gradient approach adds a modern flair while signaling the company’s shift toward AI-integrated and emotionally intelligent interfaces, something that’s becoming central to Google’s user experience strategy.
Where You’ll See the New Icon First
The iOS version of the Google Search app adopted the new icon with its latest update on May 12, 2025. A day later, the Google app on Android (version 16.18 beta) rolled out the change. If you’ve updated recently, the redesigned icon might already be on your homescreen — though you may need to take a closer look to notice the nuanced difference.
The change is subtle enough that it may fly under the radar, especially in small sizes like browser tabs or app folders. But once spotted, the soft gradients lend a fresh and more human touch to the experience.
Is a Broader Logo Update Coming?
Interestingly, this update applies only to the standalone “G” icon — Google’s full six-letter logo remains unchanged for now. It’s still unclear whether other core products like Chrome, Maps, Gmail, Calendar, or Meet will follow suit with similar gradient treatments.
Given how many of Google’s products share a similar four-color motif, there’s potential for a wider rollout of the gradient theme. In fact, some users are already hoping for the return of more distinct accent colors across apps, such as the red-dominant Gmail icon that once made the inbox instantly recognizable.
User Reactions: Subtle But Stylish
Initial reactions from the user community have been mostly positive. One top comment on the update reads:
“Wow, looks great! And I’m totally wondering if they’re going to implement something similar with the rest of the ‘look-a-like icons’ family… I hope they can have its own accent color again! (Bring back Red Gmail!)”
While the update may not be groundbreaking, it reflects Google’s commitment to keeping its ecosystem visually cohesive and emotionally engaging, particularly as AI and personalization become central to the user experience.
With the gradient trend now extending from AI tools to core branding, it wouldn’t be surprising if Google began unifying more of its visual language across platforms. Whether that means revamped icons for other apps or even a future refresh of the full logo remains to be seen.
For now, the new Google “G” is quietly making its way across devices, blending tradition with a splash of next-gen creativity.
Did You Notice the Change Yet?
If not, check your app icons — a subtle piece of Google’s colorful evolution might already be sitting in your pocket.
