Google Pixel 2 Has a Hidden Dark Theme – But You Can’t Set It Yet
The latest hardware release from Google, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL were among some of the most awaited phones of the year. They were finally announced on the 4th of October. While pretty much everything about these apex Android phones was leaked beforehand – there’s a surprise which Google hasn’t told you about. The Pixel 2 has a hidden dark theme.
The Dark Theme on Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL changes the notification shade and the app launcher to black color. However, while the knowledge of theme has become public, as of now there’s now way to enable it.
Image: XDA
Reports from The Verge point out that if you use a ‘dark wallpaper’ on the device, it would automatically switch to this Dark Theme. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. The theme is reportedly supposed to be activated from the Google Launcher itself.
A research into this dark theme form XDA tells us that the app that powers this theme on the Pixel 2 phones is named “Dark” and its package name is “com.android.systemui.theme.dark.” It is stored in /vendor/overlay/SysuiDarkTheme/SysuiDarkThemeOverlay.apk. It was observed earlier this year that there was some initiative from Google towards bringing in native support for themes. It looks like this Dark Theme is a part of that plan.
Image: XDA
This Dark Theme for the Google Pixel 2 smartphones is actually an OMS theme (Overlay Management Service) which runs on the SystemUI. While the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are yet to reach the users and the only way to access them right now is via the Verizon Experience Stores, the phones are expected to be out in the next couple of days following which more details can be known.
While The Verge says that this theme can be enabled by using a dark wallpaper, that doesn’t seem to be the case when tried at a Verizon store. Google is likely to introduce us to this theme as an update later on. Stay tuned with us for more updates on this theme.
Source: XDA
