The “Beta” label on the Themed Icons toggle in Wallpaper & Style has officially been removed with the arrival of Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2, signaling a pivotal milestone for a feature that has steadily grown in functionality since its introduction in Android 12. This development sparks speculation about whether Themed Icons will be integrated into Xiaomi HyperOS 2 or reserved for HyperOS 3, raising expectations for Xiaomi users eager to see this enhancement in their devices.
The Journey of Themed Icons
Themed Icons were first introduced as part of Material You in Android 12. At that stage, the feature was basic, with a hardcoded list of supported app icons that limited its usability and flexibility. It was labeled as a “Beta” feature, serving more as a proof of concept rather than a polished system-level tool.
Android 13 marked a turning point, introducing a proper API for Themed Icons. This enabled developers to make their app icons compatible with system-wide themes, significantly expanding the feature’s potential. However, despite these advances, the Beta label persisted for over two years, casting doubt on the feature’s stability and adoption.
With Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2, that label is not present any more. This signals Google’s confidence in the feature’s readiness for broad use, setting the stage for it to become a mainstream offering.
What This Means for Xiaomi HyperOS
Xiaomi’s HyperOS, an Android-based operating system with its own distinct design language, has already incorporated elements of Material You, such as dynamic themes and customizable UI components. However, Themed Icons have yet to make a full appearance in the Xiaomi ecosystem. Now that Google has stabilized this feature, its integration into HyperOS seems imminent.
Xiaomi’s usual process for adopting such features involves phased rollouts:
- Beta Testing: Features are first introduced in HyperOS beta builds for selected devices.
- Stable Release: Once validated, the feature gets in stable HyperOS updates.
With Themed Icons now ready for mainstream use in Android 15, Xiaomi will implement it in HyperOS 2, expected to roll out globally soon, or potentially reserve it as a headline feature for HyperOS 3, likely launching alongside the Xiaomi 16 series in 2025.
Why Themed Icons Matter for HyperOS Users
The integration of Themed Icons into HyperOS offers multiple benefits, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality:
- Unified Aesthetic Experience: Themed Icons align app icons with system-wide color schemes, creating a visually cohesive and harmonious home screen. For Xiaomi users who prioritize design consistency, this feature would be a game-changer.
- Enhanced Customization: Xiaomi has long emphasized personalization, offering users the ability to customize themes, fonts, wallpapers, and lock screen designs. Themed Icons would add another layer to this personalization, seamlessly fitting into Xiaomi’s ethos of user-driven design.
- Adherence to Android Standards: By adopting Themed Icons, Xiaomi ensures that HyperOS remains competitive and aligned with the latest Android design standards, offering users a blend of Google’s innovations and Xiaomi’s optimizations.
HyperOS 2 or HyperOS 3: When Can We Expect It?
Given the timing of Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2, Themed Icons will not be present in the initial stable releases of HyperOS 2. However, Xiaomi could introduce the feature through subsequent system updates, particularly as more applications adopt the Themed Icon API.
HyperOS 3, expected to debut in 2025, is a more likely candidate for fully integrating Themed Icons as a default system feature. This aligns with Xiaomi’s trajectory of refining its UI and adopting mature Android features to deliver a polished user experience.
The Future of Xiaomi and Themed Icons
With the removal of the Beta label in Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2, Themed Icons are now ready for mainstream adoption. As Xiaomi continues to evolve HyperOS, the inclusion of this feature will further enhance the operating system’s appeal, blending design consistency with user customization.
While the full implementation of Themed Icons may not be present in the initial release of HyperOS 2, it could be introduced in later updates or serve as a highlight of HyperOS 3. For Xiaomi users, this development signifies a promising future for their devices, as HyperOS continues to evolve alongside Android, incorporating the best features while maintaining Xiaomi’s unique touch.
Final Thoughts
As Xiaomi looks ahead, Themed Icons represent a natural progression in the company’s pursuit of a more aesthetic, functional, and personalized user experience. With HyperOS poised to become a leading Android-based platform, features like Themed Icons will play a crucial role in shaping its identity. Xiaomi’s ability to seamlessly integrate Google’s innovations with its proprietary optimizations ensures that its users receive a best-in-class experience, setting the stage for HyperOS to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
