Googlecould soon give your profile a subtle 'Aura' upgrade, but only if you pay

At a glance:

• Google is testing a blue halo around profile pictures in the account switcher, replacing the existing multicolored ring.
• The new halo, featuring a subtle gradient reminiscent of the Gemini logo, may be limited to Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers.
• The change is not yet live and could be rolled out across all Google apps alongside a more compact UI.

Feature details and code evidence

Google is testing a blue halo around profile pictures in the account switcher, which replaces the existing multicolored ring that uses red, yellow, green and blue. The new halo features a subtle gradient that mirrors the Gemini logo, and code references such as RING_TYPE_G1_PREMIUM_AURA indicate a premium aura type. This follows a recent overhaul of Google Workspace icons, which now display 3D gradient designs instead of the older rainbow colors.

The blue halo is still in the APK teardown stage, meaning it may not reach a public release. The visual style aligns with Gemini branding, suggesting deeper AI integration across Google services. Users can expect the change to be consistent across all Google apps if it launches.

Rollout timeline and subscriber impact

Google may differentiate the blue halo for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers while keeping the multicolored ring for Google One members. The rollout could be staggered, with a more compact account switcher UI arriving alongside the visual change. No official launch date has been announced, but testing suggests a possible rollout later this year.

Pricing tiers such as Google AI Pro and Ultra may see increased adoption if the visual cue signals premium AI features. Subscribers might perceive the blue halo as a marker of advanced capabilities, influencing their decision to upgrade. The compact UI could also improve navigation efficiency for power users.

Broader implications for Google ecosystem

Consistent visual cues across Google apps reinforce brand cohesion and signal a unified AI strategy. The blue halo, tied to Gemini, may encourage developers to align their interfaces with the new design language. This move could pressure competitors to introduce similar visual differentiators for their AI services.

The change highlights Google's push to monetize AI features through subscription tiers, potentially boosting revenue from AI Pro and Ultra plans. Rivals may respond by enhancing their own subscription visual cues or offering free tier enhancements to stay competitive. Analysts expect this visual branding to become a key factor in user perception of AI value.