Google has officially started rolling out the latest batch of upcoming Android 16 features to beta testers in the new QPR2 beta 1, one of them being expanded support for dark mode and themed app icons.
The QPR2 beta 1 was announced alongside the Pixel 10 series, and it includes a new theme option that will “intelligently invert the UI of apps that appear light despite users having selected the dark theme,” according to the Android Developers Blog. Google suggests that this feature is largely an accessory feature, centred around users with low visibility or photosensitivity.
As The Verge points out, the new feature will also automatically darken app splash screens and adjust loading bar colours to match the new darkened theming.
Another feature (which I am personally excited for) that Google shared is the ability to forcibly apply themed icon colours to apps that typically don’t natively support them. Currently, app theming only works if developers have provided a monochrome version of app icons. Considering what users can do theming-wise on Apple devices, this is a pretty frustrating point, especially if users want everything to have the same look.
The Verge also shared that a new Parental Controls option is being added to Android Settings to make it easier to manage any built-in controls and the Google Family Link. Like most features on Google that users want protected, the controls are PIN-protected and allow parents to set screen time limits, schedules for downtime, block certain apps (like social media platforms), and filter any adult content from search engines.
There are also improvements that make migrating data between iOS and Android more reliable, expanding support for editing PDF documents, an HDR/SDR brightness slider, notifications for when a user’s timezone has changed, and more.
The QPR2 beta 1 update is currently live for anyone enrolled in the Android beta program, but the full public release is expected to be in December.
Source: The Verge
MobileSyrup may earn a commission from purchases made via our links, which helps fund the journalism we provide free on our website. These links do not influence our editorial content. Support us here.
