Android 16 Beta 4 Arrives with AOD Theming, App Drawer Shortcut, and More
Android 16 Beta 4 is now rolling out, and while it doesn’t overhaul the interface, it brings a handful of refinements and visual polish aimed at improving user experience. Building on the platform stability milestone reached in Beta 3, this release is expected to be the final preview before the official launch in May.
What’s New in Android 16 Beta 4?
The update is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, continuing Google’s steady push toward enhancing personalization and system fluidity.
- A notable addition is the Always On Display (AOD) theming, where certain clock styles now adapt to dynamic Material You colors.
- This feature is currently most visible on the bubbly AOD clock, where subtle hues frame the numbers for a more tailored look.
- The Wallpaper & Style settings now show the Themed icons toggle without the “Beta” label, suggesting this feature is nearing full rollout.
Pixel Launcher Improvements
The Pixel Launcher’s long-press menu now features a handy “Apps list” shortcut.
- This addition allows users to quickly open the app drawer, improving overall accessibility and speed.
- It’s a small yet functional update for those who frequently navigate large app libraries.
Meanwhile, the Recents screen gains two new options—Screenshot and Select.
- Screenshot lets you capture the app’s screen directly from the preview pane.
- Select enables users to choose and copy text or content from an open app, improving multitasking and data sharing.
Missing Battery Health Setting
Some users are noticing the Battery Health section has vanished from the Battery settings page.
- The feature is still present for others—such as on our Pixel 6 test unit—which suggests it may be a server-side toggle or a temporary removal.
Gesture Navigation and Media Player Tweaks
The Gesture Navigation menu has received a small but useful change—a new “Try a demo” pill.
- This leads to the familiar gesture tutorial that appears during the initial device setup, making it easier for users to revisit or relearn system gestures.
In addition, the Quick Settings media player artwork now appears slightly darker, including on the lock screen.
- This change subtly enhances visual contrast, particularly in low-light conditions.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next
While Android 16 Beta 4 doesn’t introduce radical changes, it continues to fine-tune the experience for Pixel users.
- Several rumored features remain behind server-side flags, likely to appear in QPR (Quarterly Platform Release) betas after the final release.
- With the full release expected in May 2025, this beta feels like the last polish pass before Android 16 becomes widely available.
If you’re already running the beta or considering joining the program, these updates are subtle but useful—and offer a glimpse at how Android is evolving around stability, personalization, and ease of use.
