What’s new in Android 11?

Some apps want access to, for example, location, phone or camera. In Android 11, users can grant that access once. That means that any time an app requests it, it can be granted access. That way, the user has more control over all permissions.

Google no longer allows apps that are not active to request data. Apps that still unnecessarily request data in the background in November 2020 will be removed from the Play Store.

Messaging apps, such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, can use bubbles. These are a kind of balloons that remain active across all screens. An active conversation can be minimized to such a bubble and can therefore be reactivated very quickly. Without having to search for and launch the respective app first. Users who find these bubbles annoying can disable the option.

Some apps use the camera app. In Android 11, only the built-in camera app can be used for this. Users can install another camera app from the Play Store, but other apps cannot use this camera. Apps such as Instagram and Snapchat have their own camera in the app. This one will continue to work.

Android 11 has a number of smaller improvements and innovations. Below that:

• It becomes clearer which notifications have come in recently.
• Airplane mode no longer disables bluetooth. This allows you to continue listening to music, for example.
• It will be possible to keep a digital copy of a driver’s license or passport in secure storage.

An exact date has not yet been confirmed, but Android 11 is expected to be available around September 8.

The latest version of Android is not immediately available for every smartphone or tablet. Android is on devices from different manufacturers. These need time to make the system suitable for their devices. It can therefore sometimes take several months before a new version is actually available.

Manufacturers determine which devices receive the new version. An overview of these devices, which is constantly updated, gives the site of Android Planet: ‘These devices will (probably) receive the Android 11 update‘.

If your device is stuck on Android 10 or an earlier version of Android, there is not much to worry about. The innovations pass you by, but your device is still safe to use. Only older devices (older than 5 years) no longer receive security updates. These devices are at risk of viruses or other inconvenience.

Suitable phones are offered the upgrade for free. This may take several weeks or months. As soon as the upgrade to Android 11 is available, the device automatically gives the signal to update.