Dark mode lovers, rejoice! Google is working on a new Android 16 feature that could force more apps to adopt a dark theme, even if they don’t offer one natively. This exciting development means users may soon be able to enjoy a more comfortable viewing experience across a wider range of applications.
Android 16’s New “Make More Apps Dark” Feature
Google has been quietly developing a feature that allows users to force light-themed apps into dark mode. This was first spotted in Android 15 as a hidden setting named “Make All Apps Dark.” While it didn’t make it to the final release of Android 15, Google has refined and reintroduced it in Android 16 Beta 1 under a new name: “Make More Apps Dark.”
How It Works
Unlike the existing “Override Force-Dark” option in Developer Settings, which simply inverts colors, the new “Make More Apps Dark” feature appears to use a smarter algorithm to convert UI elements properly. This should help apps without built-in dark themes, such as Fitbit, PayPal, Walmart, and Amazon, look more natural in dark mode without odd color inversions.
What’s New in Android 16 Beta 1?
With the release of Android 16 Beta 1, Google has made several key changes to this feature:
- Renamed: Now called “Make More Apps Dark.”
- Relocated: Moved from Settings > Accessibility > Color and Motion to Settings > Display & Touch > Dark Theme.
- Updated Description: Instead of mentioning possible display issues, the new description states it “automatically converts light-themed apps to dark theme.”
Why This Matters
Many popular apps still lack a built-in dark theme, forcing users to deal with bright screens at night. Google’s push to enhance dark mode support could:
- Reduce eye strain in low-light environments.
- Improve battery life on OLED and AMOLED screens.
- Provide a more consistent UI experience across apps.
Will It Launch in the Stable Android 16 Release?
While Google hasn’t officially confirmed a release date, the presence of this feature in Android 16 Beta 1 suggests it’s still under development. There’s hope that it will be fully functional by the time Android 16 rolls out later this year.
How to Enable the Feature (If Available)
If Google includes this setting in the final release of Android 16, you can enable it by:
- Going to Settings.
- Navigating to Display & Touch.
- Selecting Dark Theme.
- Enabling “Make More Apps Dark.”
For now, the feature remains hidden, but Android enthusiasts might find ways to enable it through developer settings or ADB commands.
Final Thoughts
Google’s efforts to expand dark mode support in Android 16 show a strong commitment to improving user experience and accessibility. With the “Make More Apps Dark” toggle, users could soon enjoy a seamless dark mode experience across apps that currently lack the option.
Stay tuned for more updates as Android 16 development progresses!
