Key Points:
- Google Maps’ controversial new color scheme is coming to third-party apps.
- Developers can customize the map style until March 2025, after which the new scheme becomes mandatory.
- Third-party apps may require updates to reflect the new color scheme.
Many users disliked Google Maps’ color scheme update last year. However, the changes are here to stay and will soon impact third-party apps that rely on Google Maps Platform.
Unpopular Revamp Now Spreads
In November 2023, Google Maps underwent a color scheme overhaul across iOS, Android, and web versions. While not drastic, the changes – brighter overall tones, and new shades for roads, water, and foliage – sparked user disapproval. A user poll revealed a strong 69% dislike for the update, citing difficulty in discerning details. Even a former Google Maps designer criticized the revised scheme, calling it “less accurate and human.”
Despite initial resistance, the new color scheme became standard across Google Maps. Now, its influence extends beyond the official app.
Google Maps Platform Gets a Colorful Update
The Google Maps Platform (GMP) empowers developers to integrate Google Maps functionalities within their apps and websites. These integrations utilize APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and SDKs (Software Development Kits). Soon, these embedded maps will inherit the new color scheme.
A recent GMP documentation update announced the “new map styling is coming soon.” It promises a “new default color palette” alongside “improvements to map experiences and usability.” Notably, all map styles will automatically update in March 2025.
Developer Options and Deadlines
For developers, Google provides a new guide titled “New map style for Google Maps Platform.” This details how to opt in (or previously, opt out) of the new scheme.
The guide highlights “map IDs,” unique identifiers for individual Google Maps instances. Apps using map IDs can be updated to the latest cloud-based styling, supporting the refreshed look on both mobile and web. This cloud-based approach allows developers to customize the map experience without constant app code updates whenever the map style changes.
Apps without map IDs require manual updates to the embedded Google Maps API or SDK to adopt the new default style. For instance, the recently released V19.0.0 of the Google Maps SDK for Android includes a new map renderer compatible with the updated styling. Other Maps SDKs, like the Navigation SDK for Android, Maps Static API, and Maps Embed API, will receive updates later in 2024 to enable opting into the new scheme.
Mandatory Adoption and Customization Options
Importantly, Google emphasizes that developers won’t be able to opt out of the new map styles after March 18, 2025. This signifies that the current Google Maps color scheme on Android, iOS, and the web will become the default for all third-party apps using the Google Maps Platform.
However, Google acknowledges the importance of customization within GMP. Developers can still create custom map styles “reminiscent of the current default map styles.” This ensures third-party apps aren’t forced to adopt Google’s preferred look entirely.
Offering customization aligns with GMP’s core functionalities. Developers have extensive control over initial map settings, including camera position, map type, UI components displayed, enabled gestures, and enabling lite or dark modes.
The extent of customization might make it difficult to discern whether a third-party app utilizes Google Maps. Still, a sudden color shift to match Google Maps’ new scheme within your favorite apps will likely indicate their reliance on the Google Maps Platform.
