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Spotify finally removes its controversial disco ball app icon. Update the Spotify app on your phone to get the old icon back.
Spotify has just released an update that removes its now infamous disco ball icon. The update reverts the app icon to the familiar flat green logo after weeks of mixed reactions online. The disco ball icon was introduced on May 13 as part of Spotify’s 20th anniversary celebration and was always intended to be a temporary feature, although Spotify only confirmed this after the backlash began.
The reception to the disco ball was decidedly mixed. Many users expressed their distaste, calling the icon ugly and disorienting. Particularly among iOS users, the 3D glowing effect was likened to an app stuck mid-update, creating confusion and frustration. This vocal detractor group made their sentiments clear across social media platforms, where they shared their experiences and opinions about the new design.
However, not all feedback was negative. Some users embraced the icon’s retro, three-dimensional look, which stood in stark contrast to the flat, minimalist aesthetic that has dominated app design for years. This segment of users even began to celebrate what they referred to as “discomorphism”—an amusing mashup of disco and skeuomorphism. The icon sparked a small movement on social media, with other brands and users creating their own disco ball versions of logos, likely hoping to capitalize on the humorous trends that saturated the digital landscape during late May.
Spotify’s relationship with its user base has been turbulent of late. In addition to the disco ball debacle, Spotify has faced criticism for its intentions to include AI-generated music on its platform. Users are increasingly vocal about their preferences and concerns, leading to an influx of feedback that the company appears to be trying to address.
On May 17, responding to the uproar, Spotify promised the return of the old icon “in a few weeks.” It seems that promise has finally been fulfilled, as users can now update their Spotify app to reclaim the familiar flat-design icon.
Alright, we know glitter is not for everyone. Our temp glow up ends soon. Your regularly scheduled Spotify icon returns next week.
— Spotify (@Spotify) May 17, 2026
With the temporary disco ball now officially retired, users can finally enjoy the iconic Spotify green once more. Whether you were a fan of the unexpected design or cringed at the thought of it, one thing is certain: Spotify’s design choice stirred the pot in ways many didn’t anticipate, leading to lively discussions about aesthetics and branding in the digital age.