In recent updates to Google Maps, users may have noticed a significant visual shift that has drawn comparisons to its competitor, Apple Maps.
Although Google has yet to issue an official statement, they have not gone unnoticed by the tech community.
The Google Maps you knew
One of the most notable alterations is the shift from white roads on a gray background to gray routes on a white backdrop, aligning Google Maps more closely with the aesthetics of Apple Maps. Additionally, the colors used for bodies of water, such as oceans and lakes, have been brightened, resembling Apple’s mapping interface.
The color scheme is not the only aspect that has been modified. Greens have taken on a darker shade, and the navigation route arrow has transitioned from a lighter blue to a more pronounced dark blue (which can shift to yellow or red depending on traffic conditions).
Also read: Can Google Maps optimize a route with multiple stops? (locate2u.com)
There have also been adjustments to the app’s bottom bar, featuring a more compact set of tabs beneath the map.
This visual overhaul marks a significant change for Google Maps, with the last major redesign in 2020. The previous overhaul occurred in 2017, suggesting that Google may adhere to a three-year cycle for substantial visual updates.
Source: 9to5Google
Don’t panic (yet)
However, not all users have received the update, and it is a gradual rollout affecting devices at different times. If you haven’t received the new look, consider updating your Google Maps app to access these changes.
The decision to adopt a color scheme similar to Apple Maps may have been a calculated move, as both companies likely researched to determine the most visually appealing colors for map interfaces. Moreover, having similar-looking apps may simplify the transition for users considering a switch between the two platforms.
Not all rainbows
Some users are dissatisfied with the changes, however. The original report of the design updates, published on 9to5Google, has attracted comments from users who have received the updates.
“I strongly dislike the changes. FYI I’m on iOS and I have the new color scheme. It’s much harder to read the map now. Not only is the color in navigation mode worse (the rich blue line for your current route looks too similar to the lighter blue line for alternative routes), the real issue is the traffic display, which no longer shows “green” when the flow is good – it shows nothing at all, like Apple Maps,” says commenter Angus Rueful.
This may serve as a limited test because Google has refrained from making an official announcement regarding these changes. Don’t expect the changes to roll out to the broader public just yet.
About the author
Marce has contributed tech to various prominent publications since 2018, offering a transparent perspective into the tech industry and its effects on its users. She now spends her time developing insightful content for industry players. You know, when she's not gaming or geeking out about the latest fad.
