Google has initiated the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 program, offering Pixel testers an early glimpse into upcoming features and improvements. This beta release includes a notable enhancement to the Android theming system, specifically targeting app icons.
A primary focus of QPR2 Beta 1 is addressing inconsistencies in themed app icon support. Previously, Android’s theming capabilities were limited to apps where developers explicitly provided monochrome icons. This resulted in a visually jarring experience on home screens when some apps adhered to the system-wide theme while others retained their original, un-themed icons. The new update aims to mitigate this issue by introducing a mechanism to automatically generate themed icons for apps lacking native support.
The system in QPR2 Beta 1 enables Android to transform app icons into monochrome versions, subsequently applying the selected theme’s color palette. User reports indicate positive initial results with this feature. Testers such as scuttlefield and A_Button117 have shared examples showcasing the effectiveness of the automatic icon theming. Testing revealed that the effect is immediately apparent when installing a new application from the Google Play Store.
Beyond the automatic generation of themed icons, Google is also modifying the user interface for managing app icon theming settings. The prior toggle-based system for enabling or disabling themed icons has been replaced with a dedicated screen presenting users with a range of options. This change suggests a move toward more granular control over icon theming preferences.
A notable, albeit currently non-functional, element within the new icon theming settings is a “Create” button. The existence of this button has prompted speculation regarding potential future features. It is suggested that this “Create” button may be linked to ongoing development efforts related to AI-powered icon style generation. The functionality remains inactive in the initial beta, indicating it will likely appear in a future Android testing release. The introduction of such a capability would allow users to customize icon styles beyond the current theming options.
