Google released a new Android 16 beta earlier this week, revealing more new features and changes in the works. Noteworthy among these are custom icon shapes for the app launcher, a revamped notification panel, and more. So far, Android 16’s early releases have lacked significant new user-facing features.
However, behind the scenes, several substantial updates are in development, evident from Android 16 Beta 3. One of the notable features in Beta 3 is the redesigned notification panel. This new design prominently shows the time at the top, matching the clock style of your lock screen.
Additionally, it adds a dedicated bar for “Clear all,” notification settings, and notification history buttons. This design is a considerable departure from the current one, featuring a fully opaque background behind the notifications. With the design update, new swipe gestures have also been introduced.
Google reveals notification panel redesign
A swipe from the top left now shows notifications, while a swipe from the top right displays Quick Settings. Although there is no gesture to switch between the two, buttons at the top act as shortcuts.
In addition, work is underway to bring back custom icon shapes for apps on the homescreen. This feature, previously supported but removed in Android 12, appears to be returning. Similar customization might extend to the lock screen, with options for weather effects and other shapes, drawing inspiration from OxygenOS/ColorOS and Samsung’s One UI 7.
None of these features are user-facing in Android 16 Beta 3, and it remains unclear when, or if, they will be publicly available. Google plans to release the final version of Android 16 around May or June, with a significant subsequent update expected later in 2025. What do you think of the changes Google is working on?
For more on Android 16, follow Ben Schoon, a Senior Editor for 9to5Google, on Twitter @NexusBen.
Photo by; Angela Compagnone on Unsplash
