Android 16 Beta Unveils Major UI Overhaul: Custom Icon Shapes and Redesigned Notifications

Android 16 Beta Hints at Major UI Changes

Major Features:

• Custom Icon Shapes: A return to custom icon shapes for app launchers, a feature that was removed in Android 12.
• Redesigned Notification Panel: A significant overhaul of the notification panel with a more prominent time display matching the lock screen style. The new design includes a 'Clear all,' 'Notification settings,' and 'Notification history' bar at the top.
• New Swipe Gestures: Users can swipe from the top left to view notifications and from the top right to access Quick Settings.
• Lock Screen Customization: Google may be working on adding icon shapes and weather effects to the lock screen, similar to features seen in OxygenOS/ColorOS and Samsung’s One UI 7.

Release Timeline:

• The final version of Android 16 is expected to release around May or June 2025, with further updates like QPR1 planned for later in the year.

Current Status:

• These features are not yet user-facing in Android 16 Beta 3, but they indicate significant changes Google is planning for the OS.