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While these Pixel themes are just beginning, they are likely to offer a wide range of customisation options together. This works the same way that OPPO and Xiaomi already allow users to switch wallpapers, app icons, sounds and even their user interface. It is still uncertain if Google will choose set themes or encourage people to make their own.

Google is making it easier to customise your phone with the upcoming “Pixel themes” feature. Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 includes this new feature which will show a separate “Themes” tab inside the wallpaper app on the Pixel. It hopes to introduce a separate “Pixel Customisation Packs” app, indicating that Google wants to provide a better way for Pixel users to change their phone’s appearance. Will Google go all in?

Currently, Google’s customisation options are limited to presets, rather than making full theme stores available. Pixel themes may simply be kept as they are or evolve into a major theming platform in the future. Google’s beta release of these new customisation tools suggests a desire to give Pixel users more personalisation choices.

Google’s early steps with theme packs signal that it wants Pixel users to enjoy more UI customisation. If executed well, it could give Pixels a new touch of character that users have been hoping for.

New features spotted in beta release

The new version of the ‘Wallpaper & Style’ app in Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 comes with a new look and adds a clock size slider and support for Magic Portrait wallpapers to the lock screen. In the background, new strings hint at a “Themes” entry, encouraging users to “Discover Pixel themes”.

A “Themes” button and chip were spotted in the app during testing, but they don’t currently function. The system logs say that these elements are associated with the unlaunched “Pixel Customisation Packs” app. This may not bring full theming support, but what we’ve seen is quite promising.

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