Although Android 11 is not even available on every phone, hard work is being done behind the scenes on a successor to the operating system. Recently leaked images may provide insight into what Android 12 has to offer.
The usually well implemented website XDA Developers got hold of some screenshots of Google’s new operating system. The images are said to have been sent to Android partners to give them an idea of the new features of Android 12.
User interface overhauled
If the images are accurate, we can expect various adjustments to the user interface, with Google emphasizing devices with a round screen. The options of the quick settings are also limited (these are the settings you find when you swipe down on your screen) to keep more overview. It can also be concluded from the screenshots that you can probably give the interface your own color, possibly via themes similar to those in Windows 10.
Also worth noting is the new privacy indicator at the top right of the screen, which shows many similarities with the one in iOS. The indicator shows when an app is using your camera or microphone. According to XDA Developers, Google would like to make more adjustments to the privacy settings in Android 12, whereby users turn off the camera or microphone completely.
New chat widget
Also expect a new chat widget, which should provide insight into your recent messages and phone conversations. According to XDA, this is a widget that you cannot disable if you do not like the widget.
Google may also address the way in which updates are implemented. The updates will then be available for download from the Google Play Store. This way, Google can update the operating system more frequently and users no longer have to wait for smartphone manufacturers to make the update available.
Google itself has not released much about Android 12, only that the company wants to commit to making the use of alternative app stores easier. Google usually gives a glimpse into the new operating system in March, although that was with Android 11 even in February, so it probably won’t be long before we hear more about Android 12.
If the past is any indication of the future, the first public beta could follow in May during Google IO. The final version may then appear in September of this year, but probably for a handful of devices.
Google will probably want to give priority to its own devices, such as the Pixel 5, Pixel 4a or perhaps the new Pixel 6.
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