Google removes font and icon customization in Android 12 thanks to Material You
When Google released Android 10, the company introduced a new way for you to customize various aspects of your phone, without installing a custom ROM or even a third-party launcher. The company is trying to take things a step further with Android 12 and Material You, but it seems that we’re going to be missing out on some things.
As discovered by XDA Developers, the font and icon customization options have been removed in Android 12 Beta 3. The Pixel Themes app is still available, but now, you are only able to change the wallpapers, colors, toggle themed icons, dark mode, and the app grid. Suspiciously gone is the ability to adjust the various system icons, icon shapes, and font.
There is a listing in Google’s Issue Tracker, which Google actually offered an explanation as to why the feature is being removed:
The custom style features (font, icon shape, icon pack, and accent color) in R are being replaced by the new dynamic theming feature that we are introducing in S.
We see the new dynamic theming feature as more modern and intelligent. A simple and delightful experience that we hope all users can get to enjoy.
As expected, there have already been a few replies, with Pixel owners voicing their displeasure with this decision. It might have something to do with the code base for Material You, but seeing features removed is never something that you want to see.
Android 12 is already catching flak for some of the changes that have been made. For example, the decision to remove the smart home controls and Google Pay from the Power Menu is a frustrating change. Hopefully, Google will reverse its course on these changes, but we wouldn’t hold our breath.