Google Calendar is getting ready for a visual refresh with new ‘highlights’ (APK Teardown)

Google is preparing to introduce a new visual layer to the Google Calendar app by adding new “attractions”. For the uninitiated, Google Calendar decorations are artistic images that automatically decorate specific events in your schedule view based on the keywords used in their descriptions.

For example, words like “cinema” or “coffee” can conjure relevant images, adding a bit of personality to your calendar and a quick visual identity. Each of the 12 months also has its own unique atmosphere, reflecting the changing seasons and holidays.

While tinkering with the Google Calendar app for Android (version 2024.38.0-677549254-release), we came across a whole new set of add-ons for all kinds of events, and even a few monthly updates. It looks like Google Calendar will also introduce more specific touches to daily events. Below you can see some of the new capabilities we can activate for events such as birthdays and train bookings.

Someone even put together a handy list on GitHub of keywords that trigger these talents so you can try them out and see what comes up. We understand if you don’t want to go through all this effort. Here’s a consolation collage of all the new monthly looks we could see.

It’s worth noting that these upcoming additions are purely cosmetic and do not add any new functionality to Google Calendar. We expect these features to roll out to both the Android and iOS Google Calendar apps. If you don’t see them in the Google Calendar app yet, keep an eye out for upcoming updates as they may be available soon.