Google Maps seems off-colour? It’s a new update!

One of the most famous cold opens of Brooklyn Nine-Nine is where Jake moves Captain Holt’s podium a quarter inch “as a prank”. The recent colour scheme update on Google Maps feels exactly like that — a change small enough to be unnoticed but big enough to make you feel slightly off.

In late August 2023, some users and websites reported noticing a colour change on Google Maps. Towards the end of October, Google confirmed that the tweak in colour is a new feature they are rolling out, along with Immersive View and Lens in Maps. While the company said they are taking a slow approach to the rollout, many users have started noticing the new colours on mobile app and desktop versions of Maps.

So, what exactly changed on Google Maps?

Google has updated the colour palette for Maps. The blue for water bodies has become lighter, with a tinge of green. On the other hand, areas with greenery, like parks and forests, are now more mint green. But perhaps the most significant change is that roads are now different shades of grey instead of the usual yellow and white.

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It’s not a monumental change as the navigation and working of Maps is still the same. However, if you have been a long-time platform user, it seems disconcerting.

Why can't I see the new colours on my Google Maps app?

As per the company’s initial announcement, the rollout of this new colour scheme will be gradual. So, if you are still seeing the yellow roads, don’t worry — you’ll receive the updated colours soon.

If you believe the various users who have received the update, you might be better off without them. Multiple users have complained about the new colours across X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. However, others like the change and agree with Google that the new colours accurately reflect the real world. Guess we’ll have to wait and see if this new update passes with flying colours or not.