The Pixel Launcher is set to enhance its appeal with an upcoming feature that allows users to customize the shape of their app icons. Although this functionality is not yet available in the current Android 16 Beta 3, early access has been achieved, revealing a glimpse of what users can expect.
Icon Shape Customization
- The Pixel Launcher will introduce six distinct shapes for icons, including the traditional circle.
- This feature aims to address the longstanding demand for more personalization options within the stock launcher, which has often been overshadowed by third-party alternatives.
Historically, while third-party Android launchers have provided extensive customization capabilities, the stock Pixel Launcher has remained relatively basic. Despite its unique features, the absence of fundamental icon customization has left many users desiring more flexibility. The forthcoming icon shape changer is a welcome addition, allowing for a more tailored user experience.
Initial indications of this feature emerged back in November when hints of Google’s efforts to reinstate icon shape customization were detected. This capability had previously existed in Android 11 but was subsequently removed. In the beta version of Android 15’s second quarterly release, a new “app shape & layout” menu was discovered within the Pixel wallpaper app. This menu included two tabs: Shape and Layout, with the Shape tab offering six options for altering home screen icon shapes.
While the feature was initially non-functional, recent tinkering in the third beta of Android 16 has allowed for its activation. The customization process is straightforward, applying a mask to all app icons on the home screen, in the app drawer, and within folders. However, it’s important to note that app icon appearances in other contexts, such as the recents screen and Settings app, remain unchanged.
Google is currently providing six icon shapes, which include the default circular option. Although the names of these shapes are not displayed in the Pixel wallpaper app, they can be described as follows: “circle,” “square,” “four-sided cookie,” “seven-sided cookie,” “arch,” and “complex clover.” This range includes both rounded and more intricate geometric designs.
This new customization feature is part of an ongoing development effort for the Pixel wallpaper app, which has been in the works since August of the previous year. While the release date remains uncertain, there is hope that Google will expedite its launch. Many users, including those within the Android Authority team, have expressed a desire for the Pixel Launcher to expand its feature set to better compete with third-party options. The introduction of icon shape customization is poised to reduce the incentive for users to switch away from Google’s native launcher.
Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at news@androidauthority.com. You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it’s your choice.
