Google is reportedly testing a fairly large change to how we entry notifications and Fast Settings, and, spoiler alert: I’m not loving it. This transformation would separate notifications and Fast Settings into two completely different panels, which means you’d need to swipe otherwise to entry Fast Settings.
What’s the New Change?
Proper now, Android’s notification and Fast Settings system is easy. Swipe down with one finger, and also you see your notifications. Swipe once more with one finger, and also you reveal the complete Fast Settings panel. You can even entry Fast Settings instantly by swiping down with two fingers. For years, this easy, environment friendly system has labored completely.
Nevertheless, Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman, a widely known Android insider, lately found a possible redesign whereas digging by the Android 15 QPR Beta. Google is experimenting with a design that may cut up these two panels utterly. A single swipe down would solely present notifications, and also you’d want to make use of a two-finger swipe to entry Fast Settings.
Now, earlier than you say, “Hey, doesn’t Android have already got a two-finger swipe to disclose Fast Settings?”—sure, it does. However this potential change isn’t about that. It’s about making the primary single swipe solely present notifications (and never the Fast Settings), which looks as if an pointless complication.
How Was This Change Found?
Rahman was deep-diving into the most recent Android 15 QPR Beta when he stumbled upon this new design concept. He managed to activate it by tweaking some system settings which are normally hidden from the common consumer. The consequence? A two-panel system that forces you to take additional steps to get to your Fast Settings.
It’s necessary to understand that this transformation isn’t confirmed for Android 16. Rahman speculates that it might be a design that will debut with the subsequent main Android replace.
Why This Change Might Be Problematic
Let me get straight to the purpose: splitting notifications and Fast Settings into two panels seems like a step backward. One in all Android’s best strengths has at all times been its intuitive design. With a single one-finger swipe, you get a fast overview of each notifications and important system settings. It’s streamlined and environment friendly—one thing you don’t even have to consider after utilizing it for some time.
This new split-panel method, nevertheless, provides pointless complexity. It’s like Google is attempting to repair one thing that isn’t damaged. Forcing customers to make use of a two-finger swipe to see their Fast Settings simply doesn’t really feel as intuitive.
The Muscle Reminiscence We have Constructed Over a Decade
For over a decade, Android customers have gotten used to this easy, one-finger swipe interplay. It’s turn into second nature to swipe down as soon as and get the whole lot you want—notifications on the high and Fast Settings tiles proper there. This transformation may disrupt that muscle reminiscence and introduce pointless friction into what has been a really clean expertise.
This design jogs my memory of the design philosophies utilized by Chinese language OEMs like Xiaomi with their HyperOS or Vivo’s FunTouchOS. Personally, I’m not a fan of these skins, and this seems like Android is heading in the identical route.
Double Swipe Is Impractical, Particularly for Bigger Telephones
Right here’s the kicker: this transformation is a nightmare for single-handed use, particularly on bigger telephones. Smartphones have ballooned in dimension over time, and right now’s units are virtually mini-tablets. I’ve comparatively massive fingers, however even on my 6.5-inch Nothing Phone 1, utilizing a two-finger swipe to get to Fast Settings with one hand is awkward, if not not possible.
For customers with smaller fingers and even bigger units, this new system may make single-handed use a factor of the previous. It’s already onerous sufficient to handle one swipe, not to mention swap to 2 fingers. I can solely think about how irritating this could be for individuals who use even larger telephones just like the Galaxy S24 Extremely or the iPhone 15 Professional Max.
Taking a Web page from Apple’s Playbook?
It’s additionally doable that Google is taking inspiration from Apple’s iOS design. On iPhones, notifications and the Control Center (which has similarities to Android’s Fast Settings) are separate. Swiping down from the top-left offers you notifications, whereas swiping from the top-right reveals the Management Middle. This works properly for iOS customers, and with the most recent iPhone 16 collection, Apple has caught with this method. However the factor is, Android doesn’t have to comply with Apple right here.
Android’s energy has at all times been in its flexibility and ease. Whereas Apple customers are used to this split-panel design, Android customers respect the streamlined method. Why change one thing that works properly?
Take This With a Grain of Salt
Earlier than all of us begin flipping tables, it’s necessary to keep in mind that this transformation will not be ultimate. Android 16 continues to be a minimum of a 12 months away, and Google may scrap this redesign fully or make additional tweaks earlier than its official launch. In reality, understanding Google, there will probably be numerous design experiments earlier than we see the ultimate product in 2025.
I simply hope Google rethinks this earlier than it turns into a actuality. In any case, if it ain’t damaged, why repair it?
