C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL; DR
- Details of a new Android 12 version update have been leaked.
- The version called Android 12.1 brings a variety of changes for large screen devices like foldable phones.
- These include improvements to UI layouts, a taskbar, and smarter dual-screen features.
The official stable launch of Android 12 could be just a few days away, but the tick details of the next version have already been leaked. A new detailed report from XDA developer deals with Android 12.1, a version believed to bridge the gap between Android 12 and Android 13. Interestingly, the build appears to bring a variety of improvements specifically for foldable phones and large displays.
Android 12.1 features for foldable phones
With the advent of foldable devices, phone screens are getting bigger and Android 12.1 is apparently going to make better use of all that space. The version has a new dual-pane UI layout that allows quick settings and notifications to appear side-by-side. In addition, the quick settings menu can display three columns if the pixel density allows.
This more spacious layout optimization extends to system menus as well. For example, the Settings page displays top-level menus on the left and sub-menus on the right, resulting in a more easily navigable settings system. On foldable devices that do not have a cover display, the lock screen of Android 12.1 shows the time on the left and notifications on larger displays on the right. PIN keyboards can also be juggled from the left to the right side of the display.
Read more: Android 12 Beta Hands-on – The most personal Android version yet
Perhaps the most noticeable change, however, is the addition of a system tray. Similar to desktop operating systems like Windows 11, Android 12.1 displays a list of app icons at the bottom of the large display of a foldable display. Users can tap these icons to open apps in full screen mode, drag them to the split screen area of their choice, or quickly switch between apps. The taskbar can also be hidden by tapping and holding if necessary.
Speaking of split screens, the user interface has also seen a slight tweak. The separation between the two displays is now marked with a clearer gray bar.
Changes for all phones
Don’t you own a foldable one? Do not worry. There are also several universal changes coming. Starting with Android 12.1, phones beyond the Pixel series can use Google’s new “Monet” background color design system.
Additionally, there is evidence that Google will give Android 12.1 users more control over the power button commands. A new Adjustment of Pressure and Hold Sensitivity setting is available that allows users to adjust the hold time of the power button to activate Assistant.
When will Android 12.1 be released?
It’s unclear when Google will release Android 12.1 and we shouldn’t really be rushing ahead. The version is apparently still in development and will likely launch alongside Google’s long-rumored foldable phone. That said, it is also unknown when this particular device will hit the market.
What do you think of the changes in Android 12.1? Let us know in the comments below.