Pixel themes could finally arrive in Android 16—customization just got real

Pixel themes for Android 16 might be on the way, and honestly, it’s about time. For years, Android users on other brands have had custom theme packs—complete with wallpapers, icon tweaks, ringtones, and more. Meanwhile, Pixel owners have had to cobble things together one by one, with no easy way to apply a whole new vibe in one shot.

That could change soon. In the latest Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1, Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority discovered signs that Google’s cooking up something big: a dedicated Pixel themes feature.

The updated ‘Wallpaper & Style’ app has a slicker look and even adds a slider for the lock screen clock size, plus those new Magic Portrait wallpapers. But dig a little deeper, there are new code strings mentioning a “Themes” entry with the description, “Discover Pixel themes.” There’s even a reference to “theme packs”. This suggests that these aren’t just one-off tweaks but full customization bundles.

Rahman managed to surface the hidden “Themes” button and a themes chip in the Wallpaper & Style app. Right now, though, neither of them works. The button tries to launch something called “Pixel Customization Packs,” but that app doesn’t exist in this beta (yet). The themes chip is supposed to offer recommendations, but again, nothing happens because the app isn’t there.

There’s no telling what Pixel themes for Android 16 will actually look like, or how deep the customizations will go. Will you be able to swap out every icon, or just a few colors and sounds? Could you share your own creations? It’s all still a mystery. And, knowing Google, they might keep it simple rather than going full Samsung or Xiaomi with a big theme store.