Users of the map platform Google Maps Recently, I had to get used to it several times because the designers took over the helm and changed the interface in many areas. As a result, a change is now being rolled out that may seem minor in itself, but in the overall picture does not necessarily make it easier to use: Google Maps is saying goodbye to the iconic markers.
It's hard to believe, but Google Maps will be celebrating its 20th birthday in 2025 and has changed a lot over the course of these almost two decades. If there is one visual constant, it is the iconic markers used to mark places on the map. These have been part of the platform since its launch (see the following screenshots of the “Google Maps Beta” from 2005) and have not changed significantly visually over the years – until now.
The markers are not only part of the almost 20-year history of the map platform, but have also been used as the logo of the entire platform for several years. Back when the logo shown above was introduced, this step was described as logical due to its iconic shape with high recognition value. It is all the more surprising that these markers have now been abandoned with a small design update.
Although the markers themselves are not disappearing, only their iconic design, this is still a big step given the history. You can see in the following comparative screenshots that the new marker shape is not necessarily advantageous.
As you can see, the new markers are largely circular, with just a small bulge at the bottom. While the tip used previously was able to mark the location on the map very precisely, the new variant no longer does this to the same degree. This doesn't matter in everyday life, but at first glance the old markers were very clear, whereas the new variant is not.
One reason for the change is probably that the new markers have a white border to stand out more from the background than before. This is necessary because the new map design rolled out last year clashed a bit with the established markers – so they have been given a new color scheme. The real reason for the change is probably that the markers (even in monetized form) have taken over and the new version takes up less space. What a pity.
» Google Maps: The iconic pins are disappearing – new marker design is being rolled out (screenshots)
| # | preview | product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
TomTom navigation device GO Classic (6 inches, avoid traffic jams thanks to TomTom Traffic, updates Europe,… |
149,99 EUR 119,00 EUR  |
Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Navigation device for car, truck, car navigation 7 inch GPS navigation test winner 2024 navigation system… |
72,99 EUR |
Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
GPS Navi Navigation Device for Car 2024 – Lehwey Truck Navigation for Car 7 Inch Europe UK 52… |
89,98 EUR 79,99 EUR |
Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
GPS navigation device for car 2024 truck – sat nav truck navigation for car, Europe UK 52 maps,… |
79,99 EUR |
Buy on Amazon |
Last updated on August 16, 2024 / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API / Affiliate Links, thank you for your support!
