Google is working on a “forced” dark mode feature in Android 16

Many Android users have long complained about the lack of dark theme in popular apps. A dark interface is considered more comfortable for the eyes, especially at night. Google seems to have heard what users want and is actively developing a feature for Android 16 that will make even light-colored apps dark.

How the new feature works

Back in April last year, we learned about a hidden feature called “make all apps dark” that was set to debut in Android 15. It would force dark mode on all apps, even if they didn’t support it initially. This feature proved to be more effective than the existing “override force-dark” switch available in the developer settings of most Android devices.

In contrast to simply inverting colors, “make all apps dark” took a more intelligent approach, correctly changing only certain UI elements.

Recent changes and development confirmation

Although the feature never became part of Android 15, new data shows that Google hasn’t given up on implementing it. In Android 16 Beta 1, the option has an updated name – “make more apps dark” – and a new location in the settings menu: it can now be found under “Display & touch > Dark theme.”

And it’s now available in the “Display & touch > Dark theme” section.

The description of the feature has also been updated. It’s now stated as a tool that “automatically converts light apps to a dark theme,” with no mention of possible color inversion issues.

The feature is now described as a tool that “automatically converts light apps to a dark theme,” with no mention of possible color inversion issues.

Future of the feature

Despite the name and description changes, the functionality itself remains the same. However, the fact that Google is still working on the feature is encouraging. Perhaps it will be available to users in the stable version of Android 16.