Last week, Google Maps introduced a simplified bottom bar for mobile, and now we’re getting an update with new pin colors and shapes.
The iconic pin shape with the pointier tip at the bottom is now gone. However, it is still present in the app icon. Instead, with this new update, we get something shorter and more rounded with a white background. The icon indicating the category is inside an inner circle. This matches the existing icon design for stars, flags, and hearts.
Most pins have stayed the same, but some have changed. For example, the pin for museums is now purple instead of teal. Other color changes with the update are more subtle, for example the zoo icon has become brighter. The change is also applied to text.
The new pin design makes the icons smaller, potentially allowing Google to show more per map view. This server-side update is rolling out now to Android, iOS, and the web version.
I like the new pin design as it really seems to allow for a simpler map and more information to fit in. The smaller pins give a cleaner look and I think that’s a good thing.
