Changes have been spotted in the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1. A recent teardown of the updated Wallpaper & Style app reveals that Google may be gearing up to launch full theme packs for Pixel phones.
Pixel Themes within the 'Wallpapers and style' settings. | Image credit — Android Authority
According to system logs, the button reportedly attempts to open an app called Pixel Customization Packs, which is currently not included in the beta build. The feature is supposed to display theme recommendations, but it requires the missing app to function properly.
It remains unclear how the finalized feature will appear, the number of themes available, the extent to which they can be customized, and whether users can create and share their own themes. Nevertheless, indications suggest that Google is exploring a more comprehensive approach to personalization, a feature that has been absent from stock Android for some time. Unlike other Android phone manufacturers, Google has traditionally favored a simpler approach to customization. Brands like OPPO, Xiaomi, and Samsung have long provided extensive theme stores that alter icons, sounds, animations, and more. However, Google has leaned towards a more subtle and consistent style, although this could change with Android 16 QPR1 introducing theme pack support. These early signs of theme pack support signal a potential shift in the Pixel software experience. While the official rollout date is uncertain, Google's experimentation with this feature could bring a welcomed change for users seeking greater control over the look and feel of their Pixel devices.
