Google is gearing up for a major overhaul of Android’s user interface in its upcoming Android 16 release, with a focus on revamping the “Quick Settings” and “Notifications” features.
Current Design
The existing layout of Android’s notification panel and quick settings was introduced with Android 12 in 2021, as part of Google’s Material You design language. In this current system:
- Notifications and Quick Settings are integrated into a single panel.
- A single downward swipe reveals four Quick Settings tiles and the full Notifications panel.
- A second swipe expands the Quick Settings panel while reducing visible notifications.
This design has been the standard for stock Android for several years, although many smartphone manufacturers have customized these features in their own UI overlays.
Trend Towards Separation
Several major Android device manufacturers have already moved towards separating Quick Settings and Notifications:
- Xiaomi’s HyperOS: Features distinct sections for notifications and quick settings, a design reportedly preferred by a majority of its users.
- Samsung and OPPO: Recently announced plans to separate these features in their custom Android interfaces.
The separation allows for:
- More notifications to be displayed at once
- Expanded options for quick setting tiles and shortcuts
Google’s New Direction
Following this trend, Google is now planning to implement a similar change in Android 16. This represents one of the most significant UI updates for the upcoming Android version.
Key points:
- Google has released an early demo version of the new user interface.
- The design is still in its initial stages but showcases the new concept clearly.
- This change is expected to be one of the most noticeable updates in Android 16.
User Impact
This major shift in Android’s core UI design will likely require an adjustment period for users. The new layout promises improved functionality but may take time for long-time Android users to adapt to the changes.
As development progresses, more details about this new UI concept and other Android 16 features are expected to emerge. The tech community will be watching closely as Google refines this significant update to its mobile operating system.