Android 15 has only recently debuted on Pixel devices, but anticipation is already building for next year’s Android 16. latest speculation centers on a beloved feature that could make a comeback: custom icon shapes for home screens.
Customizable icon shape options, previously enjoyed by many Android users, allowed the personalizing look of home screen icons. While Google removed this feature in recent updates as part of its streamlined Material You design, it seems the tech giant may be ready to bring it back. The latest Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 hints at new customization options, including a hidden “app shape & layout” menu reportedly found in the Pixel wallpaper app. The feature was uncovered by the Google News Telegram channel, suggesting a fresh approach to icon customization in Android 16.
New Customization Tabs for Icon Shape and Layout
hidden menu introduces two tabs, Shape and Layout. The shape tab features six options to change home screen icon shapes, while the Layout tab allows adjustments to the home screen grid layout. While this feature is not yet functional in beta, signs point to a renewed focus on user customization.
A Return to Android’s Customization Legacy
reintroduction of icon shape customization could bring back a key aspect of Android’s appeal: its extensive personalization options. Since the launch of Material, You, Google has simplified design elements, but this also led to the removal of custom icon shapes. If this feature makes a full return in Android 16, it would give users more creative control over its home screen appearance, further solidifying Android’s reputation for flexibility.
Currently, the custom icon shapes feature appears to be in its early development stages, with no official confirmation from Google. However, Android fans can likely look forward to seeing this feature become fully functional with the rollout of Android 16.
