Google is rolling out a distinctive blue gradient ring across first-party Android apps and the web to indicate paid subscriber status, replacing the classic four-color avatar ring while simultaneously deploying a Gemini-inspired map pin redesign for Google Maps users worldwide.
The Shift to the Blue Gradient Ring
Subscribers to paid tiers across Google services are seeing a noticeable visual change to their account avatars. The company is introducing a blue gradient ring around your Account photo to indicate whether you belong to a paid tier. This updated visual indicator also applies to non-artificial-intelligence Google One subscribers.
Previously, accounts relied on a familiar four-color ring featuring red, blue, green, and yellow around the avatar to designate a Google One subscription. With the introduction of higher tiers like AI Plus, AI Pro, and AI Ultra, the company is transitioning to a blue gradient ring across the vast majority of first-party applications.
Tapping the avatar reveals a more compact fullscreen menu design. Profile pictures, email addresses, and names now sit within a dedicated card that clearly notes the current subscription tier, alongside the account switcher. Prominent placement is given to the text Manage your Google Account
followed by upsell options such as an Upgrade to Google AI Ultra
or similar upsell to round things out.
Rollout Details Across Android and Web Platforms
The deployment strategy varies by platform. On Android, the new visual treatment is rolling out on a per-device basis. If it’s available on your phone or tablet, it will appear for the vast majority of apps at once, though not all apps have been updated with support today.
A similar launch is underway for the web, with examples appearing on the google.com homepage. This is not yet widely available as of today, but it’s appearing for more users.
Google Maps Embraces the Gemini Aesthetic
Alongside account avatar changes, navigation users are getting a modernized interface. Google is officially rolling out a redesigned icon for Google Maps on both Android and iOS, ditching the classic flat colors for a modern, AI-inspired gradient. This isn’t just a minor color swap; it’s a complete modernization of the iconic map pin that has defined the app for years and was hinted at back in November as a coming-soon change.
While the icon is still fundamentally a pin, the proportions have shifted significantly. The top ring is now noticeably thinner, while the inner circle is much larger. The biggest change, however, is the color scheme. Google has removed the diagonal partitions that used to separate the four signature colors. In their place is a smooth, vibrant gradient that mirrors the design language seen in the Gemini app and other recently updated Google services like Photos, Home, and Search.
This visual overhaul obviously isn’t a coincidence. In recent months, Google Maps has been aggressively integrated with Gemini features, including conversational navigation as a new AI-driven experience that replaces the traditional Google Assistant for turn-by-turn directions, know before you go
Gemini-powered summaries for business listings that help you understand the vibe and details of a location at a glance, and Gemini in Lens for enhanced visual searching within the Maps interface. By aligning the icon with the rest of the Gemini family, Google is visually signaling that Maps is no longer just a utility tool, but instead is becoming a core part of their AI-first ecosystem.
The update is rolling out now as a server-side switch alongside the latest app versions. On Android, look for version 26.09.06 or higher, while iOS users should see the change with version 26.09.5. It might take a few days for the new icon to hit your specific device, but for what it is worth, it is already showing up on user ends.
