Every journey begins with a small detail — the hum of an engine, the glow of a dashboard, the quiet blue line guiding us forward. In the digital age, even the smallest visual cue can shape how we feel about the road ahead. Now, reports suggest that may soon offer drivers something subtle yet personal: the ability to customize their car icon and choose its color within .
According to coverage from and , code discoveries in recent app updates indicate that Google is preparing new customization tools for Maps when used through Android Auto. These changes reportedly include additional vehicle icon styles and a color picker, allowing users to better reflect their preferences while navigating.
It is a modest evolution on the surface. For years, Google Maps has allowed users on mobile devices to swap the traditional navigation arrow for a car-shaped icon in select colors. Bringing expanded customization to Android Auto would extend that sense of personality to the in-car experience — a space that has steadily become an extension of the smartphone itself.
Outlets such as and have noted how incremental updates often signal Google’s broader philosophy: refine, adjust, personalize. Rather than dramatic overhauls, the company frequently introduces features that quietly enhance usability and familiarity.
In practical terms, a car icon and color picker may not alter navigation accuracy or route optimization. Those foundations remain anchored in Maps’ real-time traffic data and mapping infrastructure. Yet visual customization carries its own meaning. A driver glancing at a screen might feel a slightly stronger sense of ownership — a small but tangible connection between digital guidance and personal identity.
Coverage from suggests that these features are still in development and may not yet be publicly available. As with many app teardowns, functionality discovered in code does not always guarantee immediate release. Features can evolve, shift, or quietly disappear before reaching users.
Still, the prospect reflects a broader trend in automotive interfaces. As dashboards become more software-driven, personalization grows increasingly central. From widget layouts to ambient lighting controls, drivers now expect the same flexibility inside their vehicles that they enjoy on their phones.
For now, Google has not formally announced a rollout timeline. Reports indicate the customization tools are being prepared in upcoming updates to Google Maps for Android Auto, though availability may vary by region and software version.
In closing, Google Maps is reportedly preparing new car icon and color customization options for Android Auto, according to recent app findings. The feature appears to be in development, with no confirmed release date at this time.
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Sources (Media Names Only)
9to5Google Android Authority The Verge TechRadar Ars Technica