Themed icons in Android 12 were a beta feature, but with the next version of the software Google is moving them out of beta. In Android 12, they were also limited to the Pixel Launcher. Which is another thing that’s changing in Android 13. However, there are still going to be some limitations. And it’ll likely be that way for a while.
Themed icons in Android 13 will initially be limited to Pixel phones
While Android 13 will no longer restrict app developers from themed icons, there will still be some limitations. For starters, only Pixel phones will have access to them in the beginning. You won’t need to have the Pixel Launcher in use, but since all Pixel phones come with this launcher pre-installed, most users will probably be on the Pixel Launcher. Which kind of makes it feel like a Pixel Launcher-specific feature even if it truly isn’t. For developers that are interested in offering themed icons to users, Google has set up a helpful guide explaining the process on how to get things going. Users won’t need to use themed icons of course. This will be an optional feature that can be toggle don or off at any moment. At current Google is working with device manufacturers to make the icons available on more device types. But don’t expect anything to pop up until manufacturers actually push out the software. Which could take a little while. In addition to themed icons, there are more features to look out for. Many of which will surely be discovered soon as users start installing the software. Which, at the moment is also limited to Pixel phones only. As all developer previews are when they first roll out. Google plans to release 6 developer previews leading up to the beta. So they should be coming in faster than with Android 12.
