Google’s latest Android 17 Beta 3 is out now, and the build marks an important milestone. With Beta 3, Android 17 has reached Platform Stability, but for many, the real headline isn’t the finalized APIs. Instead, it’s the new features that the build brings.
Android 17’s stable release isn’t due for a few more weeks, but what we have now with the third Android 17 beta is close as it gets to the final product.
With that being said, if you’d like to get a head start, and are already on the beta train, the latest Android 17 beta finally unlocks a long-requested visual tweak for the home screen.
The Pixel Launcher, with Android 17 Beta 3, finally gives you the ability to hide app icon names on your home screen, a functionality that was previously limited to third-party launchers.
While not a huge change, it’s one that users have wanted for a long time now, and it’s a dream come true for the crowd that prefer a minimalist aesthetic for their phone’s home screen.
Here’s how you can enable no-name app icons:
The only prerequisite here? Being on Android 17 Beta 3. Once you’ve installed the latest beta, enabling no-name home screen icons is simple.
- Long tap on any empty space on your Pixel’s home screen
- Tap on Wallpaper and style.
- Scroll down and tap on Icons.
- Look for the Names tab and tap on it.
- Toggle off “Show app names.”
- Apply the change.
Who is the new feature for:
- Minimalist purists.
- Those who recognize apps by their icons.
- Those who want less of their wallpaper to be obscured by text
Who is it not for:
- The app searchers. If you don’t know where a specific app is on your home screen, you’re better off just searching for it.
- The app collectors.
- Those who don’t recognize apps by their icons.
- Those who’ve just transitioned to Android from iOS.
Join the Android Beta Program to get the Android 17 Beta 3 update over the air, or go the system image route.
Elsewhere, Android 17 Beta 3 also fully unlocks bubble mode for apps. Learn more about it in the story below!
