Google Maps is reportedly testing out a brand new color palette for its background map layer. In seeing the latest changes, one can't help but notice that the new color scheme makes it more similar to Apple Maps.
Google to Change the Color Setting of Its Google Maps App to Make It More Similar to Apple Maps
According to 9to5Google, the new changes would cause the color of water, which is blue, to become lighter than it used to be with a little bit of green added. That, in itself, already makes it very similar to what Apple Maps offers.
If users live near the ocean, lakes, or other water locations, the changes would be more noticeable since the color will be more vibrant.
The Yellow or Beige Color Used to Highlight Busy Areas Will Still Remain in the New Color Palette
As explained by the outlet, in the opposite direction, Google has decided to make nature areas a darker green as some places would become blue.
It will reportedly be applied to parks, forests, and other locations. As for the roads, a new gray color is a huge change compared to the previous white. Freeways will be in dark gray instead of yellow, which Apple already applies to its Apple Maps.
It was also reported that the yellow or beige colors would still be used when highlighting busy areas. However, the changes won't be applied in the dark version as the Google Maps tones and palettes would be the same, which is reportedly darker compared to the Apple Maps version.
Other Places of the UI Show a Darker Shade of Green, But the Changes Might Not Stand Out That Much
It was reported that in other places of its UI, the directions use green but in a much darker shade, which will be applied to the most important information. However, 9to5Google noted that the changes didn't seem to stand out that much.
Although the color tweaks might not be as massive as before, it was reported that Google Maps still looks different compared to the past version. The update when it comes to water and roads had the most changes when compared to Apple Maps.
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No Official News Has Been Given As to When the Changes Will Roll Out to a Wider Audience
According to reports, the new Google Maps version comes with what was described as a "short Material 3 bottom bar" but has no dynamic color. As highlighted by 9to5Google, there are many reports about the new changes rolling out today on Android, but it was not widely available on any device.
So far, the new changes could still be in the testing phase. Google is likely preparing it for a wider launch. However, it remains unknown when this will happen or if the changes will become official as Google makes its colors more similar to those of Apple Maps.
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