Google Messages update rolling out new app icon with gradient design

Google Messages is embracing the gradient icon design trend with a fresh app icon appearing in the latest update. For the past year, Google has been introducing new app icons for its various applications that feature a gradient look. This initiative began with Workspace apps and has since expanded to include other apps such as Wallet and Pixel Buds.

In the recent Google Messages beta version (messages.android_20261030_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic), users can expect to see their own gradient-designed icon. The new icon is essentially an updated version of the Messages icon, borrowing elements from Google Chat's gradient icon. The colors employed in the new design comprise a familiar purple "glow" section, with the darker blue relocated to the back of the design.

This novel icon is anticipated to be incorporated into the stable track soon, but for now, it remains only accessible in the beta update.