In a significant move to enhance user experience, Android is set to introduce a new feature that allows users to enable a dark theme in applications that lack native support for it. This development comes as part of the second Android Canary build, which was released recently, showcasing Android’s commitment to accessibility and user customization.
Expanded Dark Mode: A New Option
Previously, the dark theme settings were limited to scheduling options. However, the latest update introduces two distinct modes under Settings > Display & touch > Dark theme. The first is the familiar Standard mode, which applies the dark theme across the device and compatible applications. The second, newly introduced Expanded mode, automatically applies the dark theme to a broader range of apps, even those that do not natively support it.
Unlike the existing color inversion option, which can disrupt the visual integrity of images, the new Expanded dark mode functions similarly to the “override force-dark” toggle found in Developer Options. However, it appears to be more effective across a wider array of applications.
While this feature aims to improve accessibility, users may encounter visual inconsistencies in certain apps. In such cases, it is advisable to revert to the Standard dark mode, which does not impose a dark theme on unsupported applications.
Anticipation for this feature has been building since its initial discovery over a year ago. Google has taken its time to refine how the feature is presented, previously testing it under the moniker “make more apps dark.” By framing it as an accessibility enhancement, Google ensures that users are aware of its limitations and that it is not a universal solution for dark themes across all applications.
As of now, while the feature is live in the second Android Canary build, the timeline for its rollout to Beta or Stable channels remains uncertain. Many are hopeful that it will debut with the upcoming second quarterly release of Android 16, expected in December.
