Google appears to be experimenting with a significant change to how users access Quick Settings in Android, potentially coming in Android 16. This modification could prove divisive among long-time Android users accustomed to the current gesture controls.
According to reports from Android Authority, traces of a new notification shade design were discovered in the latest Android 15 QPR beta. While not yet enabled by default, the new behavior represents a dramatic shift in how users interact with Quick Settings:
- Current method: A single downward swipe reveals notifications and four Quick Settings tiles. A second swipe expands the full Quick Settings panel.
- Proposed change: A single-finger swipe only shows notifications. Accessing Quick Settings requires a two-finger downward swipe.
Key points about the potential new design:
- The notification panel would only cover half the screen, allowing users to still view the underlying app.
- Quick Settings tiles would be accessible via left/right swipes after the initial two-finger pull-down.
- A brightness slider and customization options remain present.
It's important to note that this feature is still in development. The current implementation has visual issues, particularly in light mode, suggesting further refinement is needed before any potential release.
While the change could streamline access to the full Quick Settings panel, some users may find the two-finger gesture less intuitive or more cumbersome than the current method. Android Authority's Mishaal Rahman described the potential change as annoying, highlighting the possibility of user pushback.
If implemented, this redesign would likely debut with Android 16, expected roughly a year from now. However, as with any unreleased feature, there's no guarantee it will make it to the final version. Additionally, this change would primarily affect Pixel devices, as many other Android manufacturers already implement their own custom notification and Quick Settings interfaces.
As Google continues to refine Android's user experience, it will be interesting to see if this potential Quick Settings redesign makes the cut, and how the Android community reacts to such a fundamental change in daily interaction.