Google just released the source code of Android 15 the other day, offering developers a glimpse into the inner workings of the new platform features. However, not all features in development made it into the final Android 15 release. Some anticipated changes, including a total redesign of Android’s notification and Quick Settings panels, are expected to debut in upcoming quarterly platform releases or, at the earliest, with next year’s Android 16 update.

The Current Design

The existing notification and Quick Settings panel design, introduced with Android 12’s Material You design language in 2021, features a unified layout. A single swipe down reveals the first four Quick Settings tiles alongside the notifications panel, while a second swipe reveals the complete Quick Settings panel and a few notifications.

A New Direction

This unified approach, while standard in stock Android, differs from implementations in various Android forks. Xiaomi’s HyperOS, for instance, employs separate panels, a design reportedly favored by a majority of its users. This separation allows for more notifications and Quick Settings tiles, but it’s not universally appreciated. Rumors of Samsung and OPPO adopting this approach have sparked online debate. It seems they’re not alone; Google appears to be testing a new dual shade design for Android 16.

Unveiling the Dual Shade Design

Early exploration of the latest Android 15 QPR beta has revealed a potential new notification and Quick Settings panel design, likely intended for Android 16.

In this design, a single swipe down still reveals the notifications panel, but it occupies only a quarter of the screen, revealing the app beneath. The Quick Settings panel is now accessed with a two-finger swipe down from the status bar.

The Quick Settings panel itself supports horizontal swiping between pages of tiles. The brightness bar now includes a text label and displays the brightness level during adjustment. Most tiles have been reduced in size to accommodate more on a single page.

A Work in Progress

It’s important to emphasize that this design overhaul is still in its early stages. Key elements like the user switcher, power menu, foreground service task manager, and many tile icons are currently absent. Additionally, light mode support is lacking, with white text rendering invisible.

The ‘Flexiglass’ Connection

Screenshots of the new design reveal a red banner labeled ‘flexi🥛’, hinting at Google’s internal codename, ‘Flexiglass,’ for the ongoing SystemUI rearchitecting effort aimed at enhancing stability.

Looking Ahead

While it’s uncertain whether Google will proceed with this specific design, it’s clear they’re actively exploring significant changes to the notification and Quick Settings panels. The final outcome remains to be seen, but the potential for a fresh, more functional design is exciting.