NewApp Digest
search bot

themed icons

Android 16 finally fights notification overload and lets you kill ugly icons
AppWizard
December 2, 2025

Android 16 finally fights notification overload and lets you kill ugly icons

Android 16 introduces a shift from annual feature releases to continuous updates. Key features include a "Notification organizer" that groups and silences low-priority notifications, and AI tools that summarize lengthy messages and chat threads. Themed icons can now be applied across all apps for a consistent look. The update also includes a centralized Family Link hub for managing screen time and app usage on children's devices. These changes are currently rolling out to eligible Pixel devices.
Google's mandate eliminates "ugly" Android home screens
AppWizard
September 17, 2025

Google’s mandate eliminates “ugly” Android home screens

Google has revised its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA), specifically section 5.3, to grant Android app developers a "nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license" to modify app icon colors and themes. This change is intended to encourage compliance among developers regarding branding changes. The new terms will take effect on September 15th for new developer accounts, and existing developers must accept the updated agreement by October 15th to maintain their app listings on the Google Play Store. Developers are required to provide a monochromatic version of their app icon to support themed icons, which will enhance the visual experience for users by creating a more cohesive home screen. Non-compliance may result in removal from the Play Store.
Galaxy phones could soon display themed app icons more consistently
AppWizard
September 16, 2025

Galaxy phones could soon display themed app icons more consistently

Android 12 (One UI 4.0) introduced Themed Icons (Color Palette) to harmonize app icons on smartphones. Initially optional, future updates will automatically generate themed app icons for applications without developer-provided designs. With the Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 update, Google will apply a color filtering mechanism to existing app icons, creating a monochromatic design that matches the overall theme. Google has updated the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement to reflect these changes, as many developers did not implement themed icons within the four-year window provided. A significant update to Android 16 is expected by the end of the year, with One UI 8.5 likely to introduce themed icons for all applications on Galaxy phones and tablets, starting with the Galaxy S26 series.
Android will soon theme every app icon, and Google Play won't let developers opt out
AppWizard
September 16, 2025

Android will soon theme every app icon, and Google Play won’t let developers opt out

Google has mandated support for its Themed Icons feature across all applications on the Android platform to enhance user experience and address inconsistent aesthetics on home screens. With the upcoming release of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, the operating system will automatically generate themed icons for apps that lack a designated monochromatic version using a color filtering algorithm. Google has updated its Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA) to include a clause that grants users a nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to modify the color and themes of app icons. This change will take effect immediately for new developer accounts and will be implemented for existing developers by October 15, 2025.
Identity Check on Android tipped to simplify its verification if your watch is close
AppWizard
September 11, 2025

Identity Check on Android tipped to simplify its verification if your watch is close

Recent findings indicate that the Android 16 framework will enhance the Identity Check feature, integrating it with the Pixel Watch 3 and 4. This update will allow users to authenticate using a PIN, password, or pattern instead of solely relying on biometric sign-ins. Currently, accessing sensitive information requires biometric authentication, which can be cumbersome. Google is also working to extend Identity Check to more devices, including those from OnePlus. The latest beta version of Android 16 suggests a partnership with the Pixel Watch, indicating that Identity Check will work with it. Users currently must use biometric verification outside of "Trusted Places," but the update will allow for alternative authentication methods when a compatible Pixel Watch is nearby. The feature has been observed on a OnePlus 13 running the Android 16 beta. The rollout of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 introduced various enhancements, including an expanded dark theme and additional developer-focused APIs.
Pixel users tipped to gain control over its automatic volume adjustment
AppWizard
August 23, 2025

Pixel users tipped to gain control over its automatic volume adjustment

Google is developing a new settings page called "Hearing Wellness" for Pixel users, which will integrate Android's Sound Exposure and Hearing Health options. This feature will allow devices to automatically adjust volume levels when they exceed safe thresholds, with users having the option to enable or disable this automatic volume reduction. The initiative responds to user feedback regarding dissatisfaction with previous automatic adjustments for regulatory compliance. The new interface includes toggles for Sound Exposure notifications and Hearing Health. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 has been released for enrolled Pixel devices, introducing enhancements like an expanded dark theme and auto-themed icons, as well as new developer APIs.
Android's latest update can force apps into dark mode - how to see it now
AppWizard
August 22, 2025

Android’s latest update can force apps into dark mode – how to see it now

The latest beta release of Android 16 introduces enhanced dark mode capabilities, allowing for intelligent inversion of the UI in apps that lack built-in dark mode support. This feature evaluates an app's "Light Theme" attribute to determine if inversion is necessary and applies color inversion techniques to standard Android Views, Composables, and WebViews. Additionally, Android 16 QPR2 can generate themed icons for apps without their own, using a color filtering algorithm to ensure they match the user's selected theme. This functionality is aimed at improving accessibility for individuals with low vision and photosensitivity, as well as catering to users who prefer a darker aesthetic. The beta version is currently available only to Pixel device owners, with a public release expected later this year.
Android will finally fix your messy home screen by forcing apps to use themed icons
AppWizard
August 21, 2025

Android will finally fix your messy home screen by forcing apps to use themed icons

Google has introduced the first beta of Android 16 QPR2, featuring improved support for themed app icons, including the automatic generation of monochrome icons for apps that lack them. This update enhances the visual coherence of home screens by applying appropriate palette theming to the newly created icons. Additionally, the settings for controlling app icon themes have been revamped, offering users greater flexibility, although a new "Create" button is not yet functional. Speculation suggests it may be linked to future AI-powered tools for generating unique icon styles.
Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1: What's new after the Pixel 10 launch event?
AppWizard
August 21, 2025

Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1: What’s new after the Pixel 10 launch event?

Google has released Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 following the Pixel 10 series launch, aimed at developers. The update includes an expanded dark theme, auto-themed icons, and developer-focused APIs. The beta will run until Q4 2025, with QPR1 launching next month featuring Material 3 updates. The beta is available for compatible Pixel devices enrolled in the previous Android 16 beta, and new users can join via google.com/android/beta. The build number for the beta is BP41.250725.006, which includes the August security patch. Users must opt out of the beta program to transition to the stable Android 16 QPR1 update next month, which will introduce Material 3 design and additional features.
Search