Leaked build Android 12.1 includes changes for foldable smartphones

A leaked build of Android 12.1 shows changes that mainly benefit tablets and foldable smartphones. For example, Google has adapted the lockscreen, the taskbar and the notification bar to use larger screens.

The taskbar is in the menu for multitasking and shows icons of apps just like on a desktop operating system, says XDA-Developers. The site is publishing images of the build of Android 12.1, which is expected to be released later this year or early next year.

In addition, Google has made changes to the way the interface displays multiple apps side by side. The notification bar can now also show notifications and toggles side by side on large screens. Settings work in split view and the same goes for the lockscreen.

The changes fuel the rumor that Google would like to come up with a foldable smartphone. The search giant has already said that the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are coming this fall, but the company hasn’t said anything about a possible “Pixel Fold.”

In addition, there are changes in Android 12.1 that have nothing to do with larger screens. For example, the themes based on the colors in your own wallpapers will be open source and that will come in AOSP. There will also be an option to indicate how long users have to press the Power button before the menu to turn off the phone or tablet appears.

Android 12.1. Source: XDA-Developers