Google Chat Icon Update: A Step Toward Better User Experience
With the introduction of new Workspace icons, Google has been making noticeable changes to enhance user experience across its platforms. One of the latest updates involves how Google Chat appears in the Android status bar, aiming to differentiate it more clearly from Google Messages.
Visual Distinction Between Google Chat and Messages
The homescreen icons for Google Chat and Messages have always been distinct in color—green for Chat and blue for Messages. However, their designs share similarities, both featuring two layered chat bubbles with tails on the left side, though oriented in opposite directions.
Old
In the status bar, the first design of Chat was simply a scaled-down version in white, with a small smile being the main difference from Messages. At smaller sizes, this led to confusion between the two icons.
The Issue of Icon Similarity
For businesses using Google Chat as their primary messaging platform—like Google itself—this icon similarity could cause confusion between personal and work communications. This is especially relevant given the significant user base, with Google Chat boasting over 50 million downloads on the Play Store compared to Messages’ 10+ billion.
Introducing the New Outline-Style Design
The latest update to the Google Chat status bar icon introduces an outline-style design, providing a clearer distinction from Messages. The hollow design element enhances the icon’s visibility and recognition.
New
This update is part of version 2026.06.01.x of Google Chat for Android, which rolled out broadly yesterday. It follows the full launch of the gradient Google Workspace icons, with Gmail for Android as the last to adopt the new design.
For more detailed information, Here.
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