Tech Desk 
Nov 14, 2024
Android is well known for providing a vast number of customisation options, including the ability to change the home screen according to users' personal needs rather than being stuck with the default launcher (Pixel launcher in Pixel phones).
Pixel launcher allows users to be able to customise screen elements such as fonts, designs, accent colour, icon shapes and more. Google has removed some of the options when it comes to customising Android’s latest versions.
Read more: Android 16— External mic support coming to Android for audio recordings
A report cited by Android Police claims that Google is planning to reintroduce the ability to change its icon shapes with the new Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1.
The developing version of the Pixel wallpaper app (AKA Wallpaper & Style) has a new feature called the “app shape & layout” menu in Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1. This menu contains two options namely Shape and Layout.
The layout option is quite familiar as before since it is used to change the home screen grid, while the shape tab comes with six options for changing the shapes of the home screen icons.
Not only is the upcoming beta version of Android 15 expected to accommodate the “modes” feature to replace the Do Not Disturb feature, but may also offer the native Linux Terminal App and kernel upgrade for Pixel phones.
Android 15 features in development
The feature is not functional in Beta yet, because it lacks the necessary runtime resources overlays (RROs) which would enable that shape to take its effects. RROs were removed from Android 12 as part of simplification but the required RROs existed in Android 11.
This feature might not be available until Android 16, as the development wallpaper app is still unfinished. For the time being, users can install third-party apps to customise the icon packs on their Pixel phones.
