Google Workspace apps are rolling out new redesigned icons featuring a gradient look, moving away from single flat tones. Some icons have shifted to single colors, while others like Docs, Sheets, and Slides retain similar colors but adopt a landscape orientation. Google Keep and Gmail also received updates.
Google is rolling out redesigned app icons across its services, moving away from a uniform four-color outline design to more distinctive and legible icons. This change aims to make apps easier to differentiate at a glance, following criticism of previous icon designs.
Google is expanding its new gradient-based app icon design language beyond the already-updated G logo, Gemini, Photos and Maps to other apps including Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites and Keep. The new icons feature rounder corners, softer pastel-to-saturated color transitions, and more playful, varied designs reflecting a shift away from flat design trends of the late 2010s and early 2020s. The redesign represents the presence of AI-powered features according to 9to5Google. While most icons are seen as improvements, the Keep icon has drawn criticism.
Meta is testing WhatsApp Plus, an optional subscription service for users seeking enhanced customization beyond the standard WhatsApp interface. The paid tier will allow users to pin up to 20 chats (compared to 3 for free users), access custom chat themes, personalized app icons, and unique notification ringtones. Pricing is expected to be approximately €2.49 per month in Europe and 229 PKR in Pakistan, with a potential one-month free trial. The move follows similar paid tiers from Snapchat+ and Instagram Plus, focusing on personalization rather than core functionality.
Meta is launching WhatsApp Plus, a paid subscription service priced at €2.49/month (~$3), offering exclusive stickers, custom themes, app icons, premium ringtones, ability to pin up to 20 chats, and bulk chat settings. Currently available to limited Android users, with iOS support planned. Similar to Snapchat Plus ($3.99/month).
