Android 12 hasn't been launched publicly yet but leaks about the next Android update are already popping up. Reportedly Google is preparing a minor update called Android 12.1 which will bring special improvements to foldable or foldable screen phones.
This leak of Android 12.1 comes from XDA Developers who claims to get the build of this operating system from a source. After a hands-on time trying out Android 12.1, XDA Developers shared some screenshots of the appearance of this new operating system.
From the screenshots uploaded by XDA Developers, it can be seen how Android 12.1 makes use of the horizontal and larger foldable screen. For example, the Quick Settings panel and notifications can be displayed side by side on the screen.
In addition, the lockscreen is also divided into two to display the clock on one side and notifications on the other. Users can also place the keyboard to enter a PIN or password on the left or right side of the screen so that it can be accessed with one hand more easily.
Android 12.1 is also designed to make it easier to open split-screen applications. In the recent apps menu there will be a new shortcut that can be selected to open the application in split-screen mode.
At the bottom of the screen there is also a new taskbar that can be used to open applications in split-screen mode by simply drag-and-drop. Later users can also drag notifications to open the application in split-screen mode.
Finally, the Settings app will also get a new interface that displays the main menu on the left side of the screen, while its submenus will appear on the right side of the screen, as quoted from The Verge, Wednesday (29/9/2021).
Android 12.1 also brings other updates for non-foldable phones, such as making it easier for vendors other than Google to match the phone's theme to the Android 12 lockscreen, and the option to set the number of times the power button must be pressed to summon Google Assistant.
Google itself has not made an official announcement regarding Android 12.1, so it is possible that these features will be changed before it is officially launched. But considering the rumors that Google is preparing its own foldable screen phone, it's likely that Android 12.1 features will be released in the near future.