Google is redesigning its app icons to fix a big problem

With the introduction of Material 3 Expressive as part of Android 16 QPR1, Google gave Android a big visual overhaul. To match the new design, it also updated its apps and services to follow the new guidelines. Now, Google is preparing a major redesign of icons across its Workspace suite, including Meet, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and more.

A 9to5Google report gives us our first clear look at the new icons. The publication obtained them from sources claiming that all Google Workspace icons will undergo a major visual revamp. And based on the images, that does seem to be the case.

They make generous use of gradient and glow effects, something Google already uses in its app icons for Gemini, Maps, and Google Photos.

More importantly, the new icons address a major complaint with Google’s existing icons: they almost all look the same. The updated designs have a more distinct look and feel, with each icon featuring different shapes and sizes. They are also no longer limited to Google's brand colors, which helps with differentiation.

For comparison, here's how the current Google app icons on Android look.

The Gmail icon does not change much, which is a good thing, since it's one of the most recognizable Workspace apps.

The new icons should scale better across different screen sizes and devices, especially on tablets and foldables.

Google’s app icons finally stop blending in

Of all the new designs, the Google Meet icon stands out the most. It looks entirely different from the existing one, switching to yellow as its primary color. Google Chat gets a similar treatment, switching to green as its primary color.

The new Google Sheets and Slides icons now use a horizontal orientation, which is how they should always have been.

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Since the revamped icons stand apart, they drastically improve recognition of Google apps at a glance. You should be able to tell apps apart without looking at their names.

It's not clear when Google plans to roll out the new Workspace icons. But with I/O 2026 just a few weeks away, it's likely the company will unveil them at one of its biggest events of the year.