Black Inverted Stock SMS App Mod for Old Android Phones
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
What the mod was
Black or inverted apps keep the phone interface as dark as possible. Fans of the dark look liked them, and on AMOLED screens they gave minor battery savings. This mod applied the same idea to the stock messaging app.
How it behaved in testing
The author tried it on a Galaxy Nexus. The app worked, but there were compatibility issues when receiving messages. That led to the conclusion that the mod was for Gingerbread devices only, not for the Ice Cream Sandwich software the Galaxy Nexus ran.
Requirements and warnings
- Root access was required.
- The author advised backing up the current MMS.apk before flashing.
- Flashing was done at the user’s own risk.
This page does not link to or name a download source. Replacing a system messaging app can break texting, so only experienced users should consider it.
Status today
The mod belongs to a much older generation of Android. Current messaging apps support dark themes without any modification.
Frequently asked questions
Why back up MMS.apk?
It is the stock messaging app file. If the mod failed, the backup let the user restore the original.
Did it work on the Galaxy Nexus?
It ran, but with problems when receiving messages, so it was judged suitable for Gingerbread devices only.
Do black apps save battery?
Only a little, and only on AMOLED screens.