Google Messages is getting a blue-purple gradient icon as Google updates the look of Messages, Phone and Contacts. The three communication apps will keep their familiar basic icon shapes, with refreshed curves and colors bringing them closer to the rest of Google’s visual identity.
The Phone icon still depicts a handset, but gets new colors and smoother transitions between them. Contacts adopts the refreshed palette too. In its announcement, Google says “subtle but distinct gradients” and “easily distinguishable outlines” make the icons look sharper and clearer on home screens.
The changes follow redesigns of Google’s Workspace and Pixel apps, continuing its gradual introduction of gradients across its apps. The wider refresh started with the company’s logo, followed by new icons for Gemini, Google Home, Google Photos and Google Maps. In spring 2026, Workspace apps, including Gmail, Google Calendar and Drive, received their own visual updates.
Google began rolling out the new communication app icons in recent days. The gradual rollout will reach users over the coming weeks and will also extend to web interfaces.
