Google plans to darken its app designs even further

Google's suite of apps has generally sported a dark theme that leans more towards gray than black. However, a recent development suggests that Google Play is in the testing phase of an even darker theme. The previous shade used by the Play Store mirrored that of other Google apps without Dynamic Color theming and bore the code 1F1F1F. Apps like Google Home, News, and TV predominantly use a light gray backdrop with occasional blue accents.

While it doesn't go as dark as the AMOLED black favored by some, the newly discovered dark shade (131314) in Google Play is noticeably darker than its predecessor. This shift was observed in version 37.0.22-29 on a particular device. A similar evolution in theme darkness was seen in platforms such as the Google app, Chrome, and YouTube in past years.

Google plans to darken its app designs even further

Notably, all screens within the app, from the main tabs, app listings, to the "Manage apps & device" and "Settings" sections, have been treated with this updated background. Google has darkened the bottom bar, ensuring it's a shade lighter than the rest of the app to maintain contrast. As the Play Store adopts this richer shade, one can't help but wonder if other Google applications will follow suit or if this change remains exclusive to the Play Store. If a more widespread adoption is on the horizon, it poses the question of whether the Dynamic Color dark themes will also undergo a similar transition.

In a related design note, the Play Store recently swapped Dynamic Color for a more noticeable blue accent against this darker backdrop. Initial thoughts pointed towards a larger shift towards DC theming, but the recent changes seem to contradict that idea, raising questions about the Play Store's design direction.

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