Android Users Are Finally Getting a Native Dark Mode

For years, iOS and Android users have been requesting a proper dark mode for their respective operating systems. And now, it seems, the latter camp is getting their wish fulfilled.

A Google Issue Tracker post seems to confirm that dark mode is coming to Android. The post was made by a Google employee in response to (yet another) request to add a dark mode or “Night Theme” to the Android operating system. And finally, Google’s engineering team seems to be complying.

“Our engineering team has added this feature,” the Google poster said. Again, in response to a request for dark mode. “It will be available in a future Android release.”

It isn’t entirely clear when the dark mode will roll out to Android users, but it might be baked into the upcoming Android P.

While it’ll likely be a welcome addition, it’s worth noting that first-party Pixel devices already have what is basically a dark mode, BGR points out. On the other hand, a native dark mode is probably going to make Samsung Galaxy and users of other Android devices pretty happy.

When Will iOS Users Get Their Turn?

Of course, with Google responding to its users’ requests, it brings up the question of when Apple fans will finally get dark mode. iOS users have been asking for a dark mode for just as long as those on the other side of the OS duopoly.

There have been hints at a systemwide dark mode in recent years, including the new look for the native Clock app in iOS 10. But despite that, as of iOS 11, there is no native dark mode.

iOS 11 does have Smart Invert, which allows users to mimic the aesthetic of a dark mode. But an actual native feature that third-party developers could include in their own apps would be ideal. Features like an automatic switching based on time of day or ambient lighting could also make it more seamless to use.

In any case, Apple fans probably have their fingers crossed for such a feature in iOS 12. While we haven’t heard any indication that dark mode will be added in that iOS version, there’s no evidence suggesting the contrary, either.