According to Android code leaked and analyzed by XDA Developers, they are on the way great improvements focused on foldable smartphones. Previous reports have suggested that this year’s Android 12 will be followed by a minor overhaul, which should be called Android 12.1. This version would allow Android to make better use of the large screens of foldables.
Will Android 12.1 be an update focused on foldable smartphones?
XDA’s analysis suggests that this update could provide one series of improvements to the way the operating system handles large and foldable screens. This would lead to a better split screen user interface; a lock screen that makes better use of horizontal space and a new taskbar that makes it easier to use multiple apps at the same time. These are useful additions that should reduce the need for manufacturers like Samsung to create their own UI enhancements for foldable devices.
As XDA’s analysis notes, most of the improvements relate to how the OS better uses horizontal screen space. For example, lets view the Quick Settings and Notifications panels side by side at the same time (instead of one at a time). Furthermore, when the time comes to enter a PIN or password, the entry can be placed on the left or right of the display (rather than in the center) to allow it to be entered with one hand on a leaflet.
Photo credits: XDA Developers.
Android 12.1 is also designed for simplify the use of split-screen apps. There is a new shortcut in the recent apps menu to open an app in split screen mode, instead of having to long press an app icon. There will also be a new taskbar at the bottom of the screen to open recent apps in split screen mode by dragging and dropping them on either half of the screen.
Finally, also theSettings app appears to be receiving a new interface that displays top-level menu items on the left, while its submenus open in the right half of the screen.
Photo credits: XDA Developers.
Improvements are also coming for other smartphones
Other improvements aimed at all smartphones include the ability to change the amount of time it takes to activate the Google Assistant via the power button. It will also be easier for manufacturers other than Google match their system colors to the Android 12 lock screen.
Google has yet to officially announce Android 12.1, it hasn’t even released Android 12 to the general public yet. This means that the detailed features from XDA Developers may change before they are released if they are ever released. But considering the rumors of a possible sGoogle’s foldable smartphone coming soon, it seems increasingly likely that we will see some of these features coming soon.