Google’s Pixel Weather app is receiving a significant visual update, introducing a redesigned set of weather icons. The refresh brings bolder colors and cleaner outlines to the app’s iconography, aiming for improved clarity and accessibility. A splash screen within the app explains the update focuses on enhancing contrast for all users, with a particular benefit for those with low vision.
The update, spotted by Android Authority, brings the Pixel Weather app to version 1.1.20251230.875325825. The redesign moves away from gradient designs, opting for a more solid color palette while maintaining the familiar shapes of each weather condition icon. This change is intended to make the icons more easily recognizable, even against lighter backgrounds.
Beyond the icons themselves, Google appears to be extending the higher-contrast approach to other user interface elements within the Pixel Weather app. The updated look is now visible throughout the application, including within the app’s widget, providing a more consistent visual experience. The Pixel Weather app, exclusive to Pixel devices, continues to receive focused improvements as Google refines its first-party weather experience.
Streamlined Location Management
Alongside the visual overhaul, the latest update introduces functional improvements for managing saved locations. Previously, users had to long-press and drag locations to reorder them within the app. Now, Google is adding dedicated up and down arrow buttons, allowing users to easily move cities within the list or remove them entirely. This provides a more intuitive and efficient way to customize the locations tracked in the Pixel Weather app.
Android’s Native Weather App Faces Changes
While the Pixel Weather app receives ongoing enhancements, Google is making changes to the standard Android Weather app. Reports last month indicated that the full-screen Weather report interface on Android devices is being replaced with generic web search results when users tap the Weather homescreen shortcut. This shift suggests a move away from a dedicated, first-party weather experience for many Android users.
The Pixel Weather app remains a Pixel-exclusive feature, offering a more detailed and customizable weather experience. Users can access a 10-day forecast, air quality index (AQI), humidity levels, weather maps and pollen counts. The app also allows for personalized settings, including temperature units and notification preferences, as detailed in Google’s Pixel Phone support documentation. Turning on location permissions is recommended for more accurate weather information.
The latest update also includes new immersive weather vibrations on Pixel 8 and later devices, adding a tactile element to the weather experience. These vibrations can be customized or disabled in the app’s settings. However, animations and vibrations will be unavailable when the phone is in Battery Saver mode.
The Pixel Weather app is available for download via the Google Play Store, with over 1 million downloads as of March 7, 2026, and a rating of 2.6 stars based on 13.3K reviews according to the Google Play Store listing. Recent user reviews highlight the app’s appealing interface but also note concerns regarding accuracy in temperature, precipitation, and allergy forecasts.
As Google continues to refine the Pixel Weather app with design updates and functional improvements, users can expect a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience. The future of the standard Android Weather app remains uncertain, but the focus on the Pixel-exclusive app suggests Google’s commitment to providing a premium weather experience for its Pixel users.
What are your thoughts on the new Pixel Weather app icons? Share your experiences and feedback in the comments below.
