Google Maps getting new customizable car icons for navigation

Google Maps is one of the most used services in the company’s catalog. The app offers a wide suite of useful features for navigation and even exploring key places through virtual walks. The company also allows you to customize your user experience, including choosing from multiple navigation icons. Now, Google Maps is getting new car icons that you can change the color of.

Google Maps’ default icon is a blue arrow. However, users can change it to a car if they want. The company introduced this option four years ago, integrating choices such as a red car, a yellow SUV, and a green pickup truck. These options have remained unchanged since then.

New car icon options are coming to Google Maps, and you can change their color

Now, in an upcoming update, Google Maps will receive a set of new customizable car icons. According to reports, those who have already received them saw new base icon options such as a sedan, an SUV, a Jeep, a hatchback, and a Tesla-like vehicle. Plus, users will be able to choose from eight colors for the new icons. The list includes red, black, gray, blue, yellow, green, purple, and white (the default color).

The new icons will not replace the old ones, which will still be available in the list. However, the old icons are not compatible with the color-changing option. So, only the new ones will offer a slightly deeper customization experience. While it’s not a life-changing feature, it’s always nice to have more options to customize the app to your liking.

First available on iPhones as a test

Interestingly, only a small number of iPhone device users have spotted the option. This suggests that Google is rolling it out in a limited-scope test first to iOS users. However, the Android Google Maps app should soon follow. Recently, Google Maps received integration with Gemini and expanded the availability of places in Street View.