Google Messages and two more Pixel apps are about to get a new look

Alongside the launch of the Pixel 11 series, we got a handful of new app icons for some of the key Pixel apps. There were signs that Google was preparing to update even more of its apps, but the changes are now official.

Google Messages and two more apps are getting new icons very soon

Google announced today that it’s starting to roll out refreshed icons for three of its base Pixel apps. The new icons will come to Google Messages, Phone by Google, and Google Contacts, with the company saying the design was based on user feedback.

The three icons are getting a gradient color, ranging from dark blue to light purple. Google says the design is sharper and more clear thanks to the crisp gradient and easily readable edges. There’s also updated curvature, which makes the icons more rounded.

No other changes to Google Messages this time around

Despite the updated icon, Google clarified that the three apps, including Google Messages, aren’t getting any other changes to their functionality. Instead, users will get a “sleeker, more cohesive look” for their home screens thanks to the change.

The company has started the rollout for the new icons, but they may not be instantly available to everyone. In its blog spot, Google says the change should come to users “in the coming weeks,” so you’re likely going to see the change sooner rather than later.

Funnily enough, people online didn’t have all that much to say about the three new icons, but they were quick to list other Google apps that may need an update. Of course, several users also used the occasion to request fixes for some issues they have with the app.

More important than it may sound

I know some people would quickly dismiss the promise for a cleaner and more cohesive look of the home screen, but for others this is quite important. I appreciate the change and the new color, but I'd love to see Google improve more of its icons sooner rather than later.

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