Google’s latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1.1 has sparked excitement among Android enthusiasts with potential clues pointing towards significant changes in the way users interact with notifications and the quick settings menu. While this version focuses on bug fixes, particularly a rebooting issue on Pixel devices, it offers a glimpse into a possible future overhaul of Android’s user interface.
Smaller, More Efficient Notifications and Quick Settings
upcoming changes were first spotted by Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman, who noticed a redesigned quick settings panel in a recent beta. The new design introduces a smaller, more compact view for notifications, allowing users to see only partial information while keeping more of the screen available for tasks. According to Rahman, the redesigned menu will initially take up just a quarter of the screen, with the option to expand it fully using a two-finger swipe.
For users who prefer a glance at notifications without fully leaving the current app, this change could offer a more streamlined experience New notification’s view will show important information, such as time, date, and battery life, in a more condensed format. This means that users can maintain a seamless workflow without being overwhelmed by an overbearing menu.
Circular Icons and a Fresh Layout for Quick Settings
A noticeable change in the quick settings menu is the introduction of smaller, circular icons for commonly used features like flashlight, airplane mode, and Google Home. The top four most-used settings will remain larger, pill-shaped buttons, similar to the design seen on recent Motorola devices like Motorola Razr Plus 2024. However, options will be displayed as compact, circular icons, potentially freeing up more space for future customization.
Google appears to be rethinking the layout and design of a quick settings menu, providing more flexibility and a less intrusive experience. Users can still rearrange the icons, allowing me to prioritize what I find most important.
“Flexiglass” and Android’s Future
In addition to design changes, Rahman uncovered hints about a new feature codenamed “Flexi” or “Flexiglass,” which could mark a broader transformation for Android’s System UI. This concept would break down the user interface into individual components called “scenes.” Each scene would function independently, allowing for further UI flexibility and modularity. While this is still speculative, it suggests that Google may lay the groundwork for future redesigns as Android evolves.
Android 16 on Horizon?
Though many of the features are being tested in Android 15 QPR1 Beta, Rahman believes y could debut in Android 16, set for release sometime in 2025. For now, the current beta is still unfinished, meaning the updates may not be fully realized until a future release.
What’s Next for Android 15?
Android 15 QPR1 Beta 1.1 mainly focuses on resolving issues, including rebooting problems experienced by Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL users. However, Google is expected to roll out more significant updates in the December feature drop. In the meantime, a stable version of Android 15 is poised for release in October, bringing smaller quality-of-life improvements, including enhancements to Do Not Disturb mode, now called “Priority Mode.”
Stay tuned as we approach the release of Android 15, and keep an eye out for more hints about Google’s exciting new direction for Android’s user interfacethe in coming months.
- Someone just spotted a notifications makeover for Android 16 Android Central.
- Why is Android trying to hide these important buttons? The Verge
- Google is preparing a major overhaul to notifications and Quick Settings in Android 16 Android Authority
- Android 16 Could Switch-Up the Notification Shade in Odd Way Droid Life
- Android 16 could change how you access the Quick Settings screen, and not everyone will like it TechRadar
