Leaked Android 12.1 Build Hints at a Pixel Fold Device

Sep. 28, 2021

While Google is stillpreparing to release the stable version of Android 12, folks fromXDA Developersrecently got their hands on a leaked preview build of Android 12.1. As per the report, Google is working hard to make Android more user-friendly on foldable devices. This, in turn, might also mean that the Mountain View giant is aiming to release a foldable device-specific version of Android for its long-rumored Pixel Fold device.

Now, for those unaware,rumorsabout aGoogle Pixel Fold devicesurfaced earlier this year. Although the company has not yet officially mentioned or teased anything about a foldable Pixel, the leaked Android 12.1 update shows that Google has developed iPadOS-like UIs and features that could work very well on foldable devices.

For starters, Google is working on a dual-pane layout in the stock launcher app and notifications panel. This would enable users to open the notifications panel and the Quick Settings panel simultaneously on a single screen. The UI divides the screen to show the Quick Settings options at the left and the notifications at the right side of the screen. You can check out a preview of the feature right below.

Furthermore, in the Settings menu, Android 12.1 shows a split view of the primary settings options and the sub-menus, much like iPadOS. Moreover, the lock screen also follows a split view, with the time at the left and the notifications at the right side of the screen. The icon for the lock button appears in the middle.

The PIN/ Password-entry UI is dynamic in Android 12.1. It means that the UI shows up as a floating window at the corner of the screen which the user touched. However, they can then shift the UI to the other side with a simple tap on the screen.

Other than these, there is also a new Taskbar in Android 12.1 that is essentially an extension of Android’s split-screen and multi-tasking features. Once enabled, it can contain five apps and seamlessly transitions into a dock whenever a user exits an app.

These features and UI changes in Android 12.1 suggest that Google is focusing a lot on improving its software for foldable devices. Hence, it might be possible that the company is secretly working on a Pixel fold. However, as Google has not officially said anything about it yet, we suggest you take this information with a grain of salt.

A geek at heart, you’ll find me fidgeting with an iOS device or sitting in front of the laptop, scouring the internet to find interesting technological innovations. In my free time, you’d find me playing Valorant or listening to Pink Floyd.