Google tipped to launch a new Pixel themes feature; Evidence spotted in the latest Android 16 Beta

Google currently does not offer comprehensive theme packs on its Pixel devices, but the latest report by Android Authority reveals that the company may soon launch a new Pixel themes feature, as suggested in the latest beta testing.

Google has recently released Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, which includes an updated version of the Pixel’s Wallpaper & Style app. The app features a fresh visual design and introduces a slider to adjust the default lock screen clock’s size, alongside support for the Pixel’s new Magic Portrait wallpapers. Android Authority spotted new strings in the updated Wallpaper & Style app, which hint towards a new Themes feature in a future release.

The Themes option appears at the top of the list in both the Lock Screen and Home Screen tabs, with a description reading Discover Pixel themes. The string containing this description is named themes_packs_description.

A new Themes button in the Wallpaper & Style app on a Pixel phone running Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1. A new themes-related chip is also created that appears underneath the wallpaper preview. However, neither the button nor the chip currently works.

According to system logs, the button tries to launch an app called “Pixel Customization Packs” which isn’t available in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1. The chip, meanwhile, is supposed to surface theme recommendations from the aforementioned app. It is yet not known what or how many themes it will include, or whether users will be able to create and share their themes or not.

Stay tuned with The Tech Outlook for more latest updates.