Arr, the new Google Maps be resemblin' Apple Maps, aye! They be sailin' the same treacherous waters, matey!
2023-09-03
Arrr, me hearties! Methinks some landlubbers be spyin' a newfangled look on Google Maps, akin to a scallywag's rival map. Arr, seems like ol' Google be takin' cues from the competition!
In a humorous tone reminiscent of a 17th-century pirate, it appears that Google Maps is undergoing a visual revamp. The new color scheme being used on the maps is making them look a lot more like Apple Maps, arrr! Although there hasn't been any official word from Google yet, savvy seafarers at 9to5Google and TechRadar have noticed the refresh. It remains unclear if this new look is being tested or if it be here to stay, mateys.The change in color scheme includes gray roads and a white background, similar to Apple Maps. The blue of oceans and lakes has also been brightened, reminiscent of the rival mapping app. Greens are now darker, and navigation uses a dark blue route arrow instead of a lighter blue one. The bottom bar in the app has also undergone some tweaks with a smaller series of tabs, arrr!
Ahoy, it seems that Google Maps follows a three-year cycle for visual updates, with the last one in 2020 and the one before that in 2017. As for the adoption of the Apple Maps color scheme, it may be due to both Apple and Google's focus groups concluding that these colors are best for the human eye when it comes to maps. Some scurvy dogs haven't received the update yet, but it appears to be a staggered roll out that may not reach all devices at the same time. But fear not, ye landlubbers, try updating the Google Maps app on your phone if ye haven't got it yet!
Ye see, having similar-looking apps benefits both Google and Apple as it makes it easier for scallywags to switch between the two. If Google makes any official announcement about this, we'll update this article to reflect that, arrr! In the meantime, enjoy the new look of Google Maps, me hearties!