Key Points:
- Google’s dedicated “Weather” icon, launched in December, has disappeared from Pixel devices.
- The removal occurred through a server-side update, replacing the icon with the Google app.
- This rollback hampers the potential for Google Weather to evolve into a standalone app.
In December, Google introduced a dedicated “Weather” icon on Pixel phones and tablets, aiming to provide users with quick access to weather updates. This icon, depicting a simple sun and cloud, was added via a server-side update and appeared on the app grid. Unlike the previous “Add to home screen” shortcut, it lacked the Google app icon badge, offering a cleaner look.
However, in recent days, this shortcut has mysteriously disappeared from Pixel devices. For those who had placed it on their home screens, the icon has been replaced by the Google app. This change has rolled out quietly and has left many users puzzled.
The removal of this dedicated weather icon is disappointing for users who hoped for a more independent and feature-rich Google Weather app. Such an app could have offered more frequent updates and additional functionalities, including more comprehensive home screen widgets.
Despite this setback, Google continues to enhance its weather services. In 2023, the company redesigned the weather experience with Material You, introduced real-time 12-hour precipitation forecasts powered by the MetNet-3 deep learning model, and launched a “Weather” service on Pixel devices to show forecasts within the Clock app. Yet, the disappearance of the dedicated icon suggests that the journey towards a standalone Google Weather app is far from complete.
