TL;DR
Google Maps has begun showing a refreshed Settings page for a limited set of users, appearing via a server-side change on both beta and stable app builds. The new layout reduces clutter, consolidates options into seven main entries, and relocates the sign-out control and close button, though it does not adopt the Material 3 Expressive look used elsewhere in the app.
What happened
After years without significant visual changes, Google Maps’ Settings screen has started to receive a cleaner layout for a subset of users. The reporter observed the redesign on a Pixel device running Google Maps beta build 26.02.07.x, and 9to5Google noted the refreshed Settings has also surfaced on stable build 25.49. The change appears to be delivered server-side, which may explain the simultaneous appearance on different app channels. The reorganized page lists seven primary items — Apps and display, Navigation, Your vehicles, Location & privacy, Offline maps, Notifications, and About & terms — and places a Sign out of Google Maps button near the top instead of at the bottom. The page now uses an 'X' close control in the top-right rather than the previous back button in the top-left. Several submenus, including Navigation, retain their former appearance and toggle options, and the Settings page does not display the Material 3 Expressive styling used elsewhere in Maps.
Why it matters
- A less cluttered Settings page can make it easier for users to find and change key preferences.
- Server-side rollout means users on different app channels may receive the change without installing an update.
- The absence of Material 3 Expressive design in Settings highlights inconsistency with other parts of the Maps app.
- Moving Sign out and adding a close control changes common navigation patterns and may affect discoverability.
Key facts
- Updated Settings UI has been observed on Google Maps beta build 26.02.07.x on a Pixel device.
- 9to5Google reports the refreshed Settings has also appeared on stable build 25.49.
- The refresh is being delivered via a server-side update rather than (only) an app update.
- The new Settings page consolidates options into seven main menu items.
- A 'Sign out of Google Maps' button is now accessible without scrolling to the bottom.
- The top-right corner now shows an 'X' to close the page instead of a top-left back button.
- The Navigation submenu and its toggles look essentially unchanged from the previous layout.
- The Settings page does not currently incorporate Material 3 Expressive styling, unlike parts of the Maps app.
What to watch next
- Whether Google extends the refreshed Settings design to all users and platforms (not confirmed in the source).
- If and when the Settings page will receive Material 3 Expressive visual elements to align with the rest of the app (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Material 3 Expressive: A Google design language and visual system that applies updated components, spacing, and styling across apps to create a cohesive look.
- Server-side update: A change applied on a service provider's servers that can enable new features or UI changes in apps without requiring users to download a new app version.
- Beta build: A pre-release version of an app distributed to testers or early adopters to try new features before they reach the general public.
Reader FAQ
Is the redesigned Settings page available to everyone now?
Not confirmed in the source.
Which Google Maps versions have shown the new Settings layout?
The redesign has been seen on beta build 26.02.07.x and reported on stable build 25.49.
Does the new Settings page use Material 3 Expressive styling?
No — the Settings page currently lacks Material 3 Expressive elements, even though other parts of Maps do.
Were functional changes made inside submenus like Navigation?
The Navigation menu and its toggles appear unchanged according to the report.
Google Maps picks up a long-overdue design update Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | BongkarnGraphic / Shutterstock By Chethan Rao Published 14 minutes ago Chethan is a reporter at Android…
Sources
- Google Maps picks up a long-overdue design update
- Google Maps Quietly Added This Long-Overdue Feature …
- Here's what the redesigned Google Photos and Maps …
- Google Maps is getting a subtle redesign for place …
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