Google fixes upside-down Sheets icon on iOS

Google has quietly flipped the Google Sheets app icon upside-down on Android and iOS, a small but noticeable change that makes the icon look more like a spreadsheet.

The update is part of Google’s ongoing effort to refresh its app icons this year, replacing sharp edges with softer shapes and vibrant gradients. But unlike other redesigns, Sheets’ new look doesn’t just tweak colors or curves—it rotates the entire icon 180 degrees. The result is a more intuitive symbol: the top and left edges now resemble spreadsheet columns and rows, while the tab sticking out on the right suggests a second worksheet. Previously, the icon’s orientation made it look more like a stylized document than a spreadsheet.

The shift was first spotted by 9to5Google, which noticed the change on iOS. As of now, Android users and the web app still show the original upside-down version. Google has not responded to requests for comment, and given the minor nature of the update, it may not issue an official explanation. The new orientation makes logical sense—it aligns better with how people visualize spreadsheets—so it’s possible the old version was simply a design oversight.

This isn’t the first time Google has adjusted app icons to improve recognition. Earlier this year, it updated Gmail and Drive with softer, more colorful designs. While flipping an icon might seem trivial, it highlights how even small design choices can shape user experience. For now, users on some platforms will see the corrected version, while others may still be waiting. Either way, the change underscores Google’s focus on refining its visual identity—one pixel at a time.