Android 15 could bring new notification controls to stop them distracting you while you’re watching a video, and a “small” taskbar on your phone when it rolls out later this year, according to findings from the latest Android 15 Beta.
Taskbars are already found on many Android devices, but are currently only found on tablets and the large unfolded displays of foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 due to the space they take up. However, they’re a useful tool as they act as a constantly available carousel of apps, making it easier to multitask on your device.
That usefulness may well be the reason why Android Authority has found code that hints at a “tiny” taskbar that could appear on non-foldable phones, with the YouTube video demo below showing that it could even be used to have two apps appear on-screen at once, albeit slightly squashed into the frame.
The taskbar on larger phones isn’t going to be left alone, though. Google is going to give users the ability to switch between two styles: the older, permanent style and the current floating style. The permanent option always takes up space, which can be annoying, but the temporary floating island style (which smaller devices use) can be harder to open. With Android 15, you’ll be able to choose whichever style best suits your needs.
Get rid of the distractions
Additionally, Android 15 makes changes to heads-up notifications. This pop-up style is reserved for your most important notifications, like a text message from your parents, but when you’re watching a video they can take up a big chunk of your screen.
I know sometimes I just use do not disturb mode when I want to relax with Netflix or YouTube, but then I run the risk of missing an important text. Android 15 offers a middle ground option, with the beta adding a “compact” layout option that shortens notifications considerably.
It will still appear on the full screen video, but will be much smaller (via Android Authority).
One thing to note, however, is that neither of these tools will likely be ready for the official launch of Android 15. While these features are present in the code for Beta 4, they’re not live yet and will require users to manually tweak things to activate them. Given that this is the final beta before Android 15’s release, chances are we’ll have to wait an update or two to see them in action. We just hope they don’t get held back until Android 16.