While we wait for the stable One UI 7.0 rollout based on Android 15 for Galaxy devices, Google is already forging ahead with Android 16. This time around, the company is doubling down on bringing some much-needed features. One such example is the upcoming Night Mode Indicator API in Android 16.
Android 16’s Night Mode Indicator API will be a godsend for many devices
Low-light shots create a whole different aesthetic. They’re perfect for sprucing up our Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media feeds. But, here’s the catch — while these apps are pretty sharp, they don’t automatically switch to night mode for every shot, except on certain models.
When you take low-light photos using Instagram’s camera, the app recognizes that it’s dark and prompts you to tap the moon icon to activate Night Mode for clearer, more detailed shots. However, this feature isn’t available for everyone. It’s exclusive to top-tier models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Z Flip 6, Z Fold 6, and Pixel 6 and later.
More Galaxy devices will detect low-light environments
When Android 16 introduces the Night Mode Indicator API, it will alert apps to low-light conditions. This will enable these apps to automatically activate night mode, improving photo quality in dim settings. With this update, when a phone detects low light, the camera in these apps will adjust its settings for better exposure and reduced noise.
This feature is part of Android’s Camera Extensions framework, which provides apps with access to advanced camera tools. Thanks to Android 16’s Night Mode Indicator API, apps will be able to optimize camera performance more effectively across a wider range of devices.
For Galaxy users — except for those with the S24 Ultra, Z Flip, and Z Fold 6 — we can expect these updates in One UI 8.0. It’s a bit ironic, though, to talk about One UI 8.0 when One UI 7.0’s second beta rollout still hasn’t reached all regions. Uh, oh.
