In what is probably one of its subtlest, yet most significant updates, the tech giant has released a new redesigned ‘G’ icon, which is seen as the first refresh in its look in almost ten years. The new design, featuring a lively gradient, has been made live in the Google Search app for iOS and is on its way to Android users through the beta version of Google app 16.18. Google made this change on 13 May 2025, after a long period between branding changes, which has resulted in a changing brand identity alongside an evolution toward AI and modernization trends in design.
It will thus analyze the new ‘G’ icon, linking its details on rollout across platforms as well as implications for Google’s branding, all of which will be optimized for search engines to increase visibility and engagement.
A Fresh Look for the ‘G’ Icon for Google
Since their arrival in September 2015, the multicolored ‘G’ logo of Google—that comprised blocks set in red, yellow, green, and blue—has represented an identifiable hallmark for the company’s brand. The logo was created in the Product Sans typeface in anticipation of a multi-device world—it replaced the preceding lowercase white ‘g’ on a blue background.
Fast forward now to 2025, and there goes Google with a gradient touch, blending all those iconic colors into one, making the ‘G’ seem softer, more dynamic, and ultimately more contemporary.
The old design is replaced with a gradient from red-yellow-green-blue, in which almost three colors turn smoothly one into another. Quite bright red, green, and yellow, while blue, more saturated, makes a visually striking effect. This alteration is in tune with all of Google’s recent visual languages, the best example of which can be seen in the gradient blue to purple logo of the AI assistant Google Gemini, indicating a step towards a more AI-centric and modern aesthetic.
Rollout Details: iOS and Android Beta
The new ‘G’ icon made its entry today on the Google Search app for iOS from an update uploaded on the 12th of May, 2025. As it currently stands, Android users are set to realize the change following their redistribution of the Google app beta version 16.18, which began the very same week. This new beta version also has early explorers downloading it through top platforms like APK Mirror, letting them test drive the new style.
Currently, it is also visible on iOS and select Android devices, particularly Pixel phones. However, the solid-color ‘G’ logo is still showing on all other non-Pixel Android devices, across the web, and in all other Google services. Google indicated that further inventions within devices and platforms are going to expand in the weeks to come, implying that more phased rollouts are to ensure a smooth transition.
This update comes just before the developer conference Google I/O 2025, which is set to begin on May 20, 2025, and speculation has been that there may be even larger branding or announcements coming on the AI front. In many of the social media posts already circulating on X, users have engaged many folks to acknowledge the modern feel of this new icon, with jokes arguing that the older icon looks “dated” or without glasses in comparison.
Reasons Behind Changing the Icon
But probably the few things behind the decision to move the ‘G’ icon after more than a decade of being in place are:
AI Branding:
With much in store for the future from Google concerning AI-powered features, such as AI Overviews in Search, and the recently ushered Google Gemini, a change was warranted for such visual shifts. The gradient design is meant to visualize what is actually dynamic and fluid as characteristics of Gemini’s branding, providing one coherent look across Google’s ecosystem.
Modern Design Trends:
Gradients came back strongly on digital, including giving a strong visual effect, flexible and stunning performances for different screen sizes, and under various lighting conditions. This new ‘G’ has gradient effects that enhance visibility in dark mode, where it dramatically stands out.
Brand Evolution:
Today, as Google faces a world guided by multiple devices and AI, the new ‘G’ symbol reflects its flexibility and vision for the future. Therefore, it updates the brand without changing its core identity in quite a familiar way for billions of users.
Of course, the answer is that the six-letter word for Google remains unchanged, but speculation is at present rife as to whether other product-specific logos—such as Chrome, Maps, or Gmail—will follow suit with gradient designs. These too, after all, use the four colors of the iconic scheme, so if more apps will have a broader refresh, the change will gain coherence across the Google portfolio.
How to Get Your Hands on the New ‘G’
For iOS users, the new ‘G’ icon is already in effect with the latest version of the Google Search app, compiled from the App Store. Be sure to check whether your application is up to snuff with the most recent version (version 324.0 and later) to verify you have it.
For Android in beta, access to the new icon will be found when installing Google app beta version 16.18, available via APK Mirror or by joining the beta program through the Google Play Store. The update is still untested and most assuredly not stable for most devices, so proceed with caution. Currently, it is more prevalent on Pixel devices, but Google plans to roll it out to all Android devices soon.
To customize the app icon for Google Search app use on iOS, head to Settings > General > Change app icon, where the option of a new gradient ‘G’ as well as other looks introduced in version 324.0 is offered. This personalization of the app through the new icon would also serve to enrich application integration within the home screen personalization options in iOS 18.
Great User Reactions and Social Media Buzz
As with a new ‘G’ icon, most rumblings on X have got mixed but mostly positive comments. Praised were gradient designs with modern, AI-friendly vibes—one, for instance, where one user said, “The new ‘G’ logo looks even better in dark mode.” Others perceived it as a subtle change with remarks such as “It’s a small tweak, but it speaks volumes about Google’s evolving brand identity.” Few expressed nostalgia for the solid-color logos, but the general tone seems to appreciate the fresh design.
These updates have been covered in tech blogs and through media agencies such as 9to5Google and Android Police, as they note the importance of the upgrade, which now complements Google’s AI-powered initiatives and trends in designs. The change has also been described as “a visual refresh for a new era,” attesting to the commitment of Google’s transformation.
Google Branding Implications
With the live launch of the new ‘G’ icon comes speculation about what future branding would hold for Google. The prompt is currently limited to the Google Search application, but its palatable timing before Google I/O 2025 implies that there’s probably much more up in the air. This conference is traditionally known for showcasing new products and features, so it would probably shed light on whether the gradient design would be extended to other apps, or even to the main wordmark.
The gradient ‘G’ icon is versatile enough, hence a worthy candidate for adoption on a wider scope. It has a dynamic feel, fitted for presenting AI-imbued user experience, e.g., Google Lens, Hum to Search, and Discover—features that the Google Search app actually revolves around. If extended to other apps, the gradient design would harmonize and create a seamless identity across the Google ecosystem.
Comparative Analysis: Old versus New ‘G’ Icon
Old vs New Google G Icon Comparison Chart
The chart is set to reflect the modern allure of the new icon, as well as its relevance to Google’s priorities today.
Conclusion
On introducing this gradient ‘G’ icon, Google moves to a whole new threshold of growth in its branding history by this year 2025. Already on live checkout via the iOS version of the Google Search App while rolling out via Google app beta version 16.18 on Android, the design change resonates with the company’s focus on AI innovation and recent design trends.
With this change, it is sure to cause a ripple effect across a wider part of the Google ecosystem soon. Probably much insight will be shed during Google I/O 2025. For now, the new ‘G’ icon stands as a herald of a commitment by Google toward vibrancy and relevance in an ever-changing tech landscape.
