Google forces Android developers to play nice with themed icons

Google released Android 13 in H2 2022. Among other changes, it shipped with themed app icons support, allowing apps to change their color to match the phone's wallpaper for a more consistent look. Three years later, many third-party apps still do not support themed icons. Now, Google is taking matters into its own hands and requiring developers to sign a non-exclusive, perpetual license to enable users to modify or add colors to their app icons if they want their apps listed on the Play Store.

The change follows Google's rollout of Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1 in August, which introduced forced themed icons for apps. It allows the OS to apply a monochrome theme to app icons based on the system wallpaper. With this feature, the company ensured that Android users can soon get a consistent and cohesive look across their home screen, even if third-party developers are not fully onboard with the idea of themed app icons.

However, Google forcing monochromatic themes onto app icons could spark legal concerns. After all, some developers may not want to support the feature to protect their branding.

To avoid such legal issues and get developers on board with this change as quickly as possible, Google has updated its Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement (DDA). It has revised section 5.3 of the agreement with the following clause:

“5.3 You grant to the user a nonexclusive, worldwide, and perpetual license to perform, modify color of, or add themes to, your Product icons, display (including with the color and theme modifications), and use the Product.”

The company has sent out emails to developers informing them about this change. Existing developers have until October 15, 2025, to accept the updated terms, while new accounts must comply immediately (via Android Authority). The new term ensures that Android users can safely use Android 16's upcoming forced themed app icons feature without legal issues.

Android 16 QPR2 also solves the missing dark theme problem

Coincidentally, Android 16 QPR2 also tackles another longstanding problem with third-party apps: the lack of dark theme support. The beta introduces an Expanded dark theme option, which automatically inverts light app interfaces whenever dark mode is enabled.

While the company says the expanded dark theme is intended to be used as an accessibility feature, it will also double as a practical solution for users tired of third-party apps that refuse to add dark mode support.