[Update: Sep. 13b] Android 12 update tracker: Here's the current status

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on October 13, 2020) follows:

Android 11 was unveiled back in September and as expected, Google’s own devices already run this new version of Android.

Other Android phonemakers are working on their respective Android 11 skins and you can check out our dedicated tracker for most popular OEMs here.

Even then, it looks like Google is already looking ahead, planning things to do with the next version of Android, Android 12.

Since new Android versions are often unveiled every September-October, Android 12 is still a whole year away so whatever we know now has got to be taken with a grain of salt.

So what do we know about Android 12 so far? Well, we know that Google will call it Android 12 if recently published material is anything to go by.

In a blog post published on Android Developers’ forum titled ‘Listening to Developer Feedback to Improve Google Play’, the company makes mention of the next version of Android.

some developers have given us feedback on how we can make the user experience for installing another app store on their device even better. In response to that feedback, we will be making changes in Android 12 (next year’s Android release) to make it even easier for people to use other app stores on their devices…
Source

In the same publication, Google goes to explain how it plans to make Android 12 a lot more open by building tools that will make it easier for third-party app stores to work well.

Some other features and improvements rumored to be coming in Android 12 include scroll shot feature, better cloud backups, more restrictions to background app killing, more refinement to the gesture navigation, and improved third party launcher support.

More info on everything we know about Android 12 will be added below so stay tuned.

Android 12 is set to support the Incremental File System. Incremental FS is a ‘special-purpose Linux virtual file system that allows execution of a program while its binary and resource files are still being lazily downloaded over the network, USB etc’.

More on that here.

Vivo has announced that the iQOO 3 will get updated to both Android 11 and Android 12. The device will also get regular security patches and OTA support for 3 years. More on this here.

The Narzo 10 might very well be in line for an update to the next version of Android. More on that here.

While the Poco X3 is set to get updated to Android 11, the fate of the device with regards to Android 12 is still unclear. More on that here.

07:00 pm (IST): It seems that Android 12 might finally make system updates easier. A Google engineer has revealed that the company plans to make the Android Runtime (ART) an updatable Mainline module in Android S/Android 12.

This means that Google would have total control over the ART module and would be able to release updates to all devices without involving the OEM. Therefore, updates could be rolled out through the Google Play Store instead of OTA updates according to a report.

10:15 am (IST): The folks over at XDA have spotted a couple of code changes submitted to AOSP by which it appears that Google is working on an app hibernation feature for Android 12.

It’s a “System service that manages app hibernation state, a state apps can enter that means they are not being actively used and can be optimized for storage.”

06:37 pm (IST): The Android 12 Developer Preview is just around the and we’re now seeing reports (1, 2) of new features that may come with Android 12.

For starters, users would be able to share Wi-Fi passwords via the Nearby Share function. Further, a new restricted networking mode feature will make its way to Android users with the upcoming Android version.

It is a new firewall chain, with a set of rules that the Linux iptables utility follows to allow or block network traffic. However, this permission will only be granted to system apps or apps signed by the OEM.

10:15 am (IST): New details continue to flow in surrounding Android 12. As per a report, Android 12 will let users create ‘App Pairs’ for seamless multitasking. The feature allows for two apps to be paired as one task.

Essentially, this allows users to switch applications without losing the two apps paired in split-screen mode. Google is also reportedly working on enhancing the game controller rumble with Android 12. At present, the APIs for the vibration of external devices are not up to the mark.

10:55 am (IST): A fresh report from 9to5Google suggests that Google might bring back the double tap gesture for the Pixels with Android 12. The gesture — codenamed “Columbus” — was first discovered in the Android 11 Developer Preview but didn’t show up in the stable release.

With the double-tap gesture, users would be able to trigger a handful of actions on their devices such as:

– Activate the Google Assistant
– Take a screenshot
– Pause/resume media playback
– Open the notification shade
– Open the recent apps view

11:50 am (IST): New code in the Android source code suggests that it will be possible to update the system fonts and emojis on Android 12 without a system upgrade. More details on changes that would make this possible can be found here.

10:05 am (IST): It appears Android 12 will offer native system theming that will allow users to select a primary color and an accent color which would be applied system-wide, where supported.

The best part is that the colors your pick would also be available in third-party applications if the app developers choose to enable the feature. Further, the color could also be selected automatically based on the colors of the current wallpaper report.

01:08 am (IST): Google, with Android 10, introduced the Android Beta Feedback app that helped users report bugs without having to visit the bug tracker website.

And whilst that app has been dormant for a while, it has now bagged a fresh update bumping its version up from 2.11 to 2.15. This indicates that the Android 12 development has commenced and preview builds should launch soon. More info here.

10:50 am (IST): There is a fresh rumor doing rounds about how Android 12 is going to look. The folks at XDA managed to get their hands on a purported draft of a document made by Google themselves.

In it, we see some really radical design changes. The UI is much more rounded and modern looking. Further, if real, these screenshots may be the very first look at Android 12’s theming capabilities we discussed above.

This is because, as clear from the above screenies, the wallpaper and the interface backgrounds have matching colors.

All this was much needed in the light of recent custom Android skin releases like One UI 3.0 and MIUI 12.5 that look more modern than ever and have left stock Android in desperate need of design updates.

06:50 pm (IST): Following the recent developments around Android 12, we are running a poll asking you how much you like the new color-changing UI and other alleged changes included in the OS. Details here.

03:21 pm (IST): As the time for the first developer preview release nears, fresh details keep emerging about the latest iteration of Android.

The update is expected to bring a dramatic UI refresh, widget changes, enhanced privacy features, scrolling screenshot support, a sophisticated theming system, and much more. For details, head here.

08:21 am (IST): As we get closer to the release of Android 12 Developer Preview 1, news and leaks of what to expect keep surfacing. Among the latest is the addition of one-handed mode support, finally.

This feature is already supported by other Android vendors but it has been missing on Google Pixels. This is about to end with Android 12, at least according to XDA Developers.

09:31 am (IST): The update to Android 11 enabled the ability to resize PiP windows, but if you have tried using the feature, you’ll know how half-baked it is.

Now, the same guys at XDA have established that Google has plans to improve PiP in Android 12 by adding new methods to easily discover and trigger the feature, among them pinch-to-resize, double tap, and “stashing” to temporarily hide it.

Even better is that the troubled bubble notifications that came with Android 11 might be in for a treat with new animations.

10:21 am (IST): Google is reportedly looking to take Material Design to the NEXT level with Android 12. In what is being touted as “Material NEXT” design, users can expect plenty of UI changes.

Some of these changes include a new AoD and lock screen layout, a thicker brightness slider, smaller horizontal margins and padding, and probably even shifting the Quick Settings tile labels to the side.

11:50 am (IST): In yet another development, Android 12 is said to come with support for smarter auto-rotation, a native gaming mode to imitate the many we see from third-party vendors, and a feature to reduce bright colors.

But perhaps the most important development from the recent past is the dessert name of Android 12. Apparently, the OS could pick up the Snow Cone dessert name.

This should match with Android S, picking up from Red Velvet Cake dessert name for Android 11. See the full story here.

11:37 am (IST): According to a report by 9to5Google, Android 12 will introduce face-based auto-rotate on Google Pixel devices.

The publication notes that the feature will use the selfie shooter to analyze face orientation and thus rotate content accordingly. The entire process will be local, meaning no images are retained anywhere.

11:23 am (IST): Google has announced the first developer preview version of Android 12, but as always, this version is still limited to app developers. Here’s the list of eligible Google Pixel devices.

Below is the rollout schedule, at least for Pixel devices.

Now that the actual OS is here, we can finally put the rumors and speculations behind us. And what better way than to dive right into the new features and improvements that Android 12 packs?

 

Notifications & Quick settings

 

Android 12 has a new translucent background with a lighter overlay taking over from the transparent space that separates conversations, app notifications and silent notifications in Android 11.

There are also some tweaks in the Quick settings menu, where light blue color replaces gray for inactive tiles. Android 12 also removes location toggle from the first card of Quick settings tiles.

Also, DND and Battery Saver toggles now appear on the first card and mobile data toggle has been moved to the second card.

As rumored earlier, the update also adds the option to “Reduce Bight Colors”, an accessibility feature meant to reduce screen brightness, although it doesn’t remove the usual one.

 

Accessibility settings

 

With Android 12, Google has also revamped the Accessibility settings menu, making it easy to access primary options on the main page. The likes of Font and Display Size now appear in categories.

 

New accent color

 

Android 12 adds a blue-like tint to the light and dark themes in Android 11. At this point, though, the color-changing UI that leaked a while back is still a doubt.

The new color accent persists in system apps and even in dialog boxes, which is pretty cool.

 

Picture-in-Picture improvements

 

Just as the rumors had hinted, PiP in Android 12 is getting a facelift, where users can now pinch to zoom in and out of PiP windows. The new OS also lets users “stash” the PiP window on one edge of the display panel.

 

New lock screen background

 

Google has reworked the lock screen with the addition of a translucent background layer and bouncier animation when unlocking the phone using a pattern.

 

One handed mode

 

Finally, AOSP has one handed mode. In order to make using the big-screen phones of today easier, Samsung and OnePlus added one handed mode to their skins a while back, meaning Google is playing catchup.

With Android 12, the UI features large empty spaces at the top of the screen thus pushing whatever you want to access towards the bottom end, easily reachable with your thumb.

Apparently, Android 12 has a feature (still only a flag for now) known as “Silky Home” meant to push page items further down for easier access when enabled.

Another feature that has been here for quite some time but is only coming to AOSP courtesy of Android 12 is support for scrolling screenshots.

For now, the feature is still hidden, but it should be unlocked in future updates.

 

Notifications snooze

 

Google has added a new button for snoozing unimportant notifications, possibly doing away with the previous option of half-swiping the notification to either side to reveal the snooze button.

To enable the new notifications snooze button, go to Settings > Apps and notifications > Notifications > Allow notification snoozing.

 

Media controls

 

Picking up from where Android 11 left, the new OS adds more refined media controls, with the player taking up more space thanks to the bigger media artwork.

Android 12 also lets users select the apps that appear in the media controls by heading to Settings > Sound and vibration > Media.

 

Improved widgets

 

Android has always one-upped Apple when it comes to widgets, but tables recently turned with the introduction of dynamic widgets in iOS 14. Google aims to take back its crown with the update to Android 12.

The new OS tags along what looks like widget stacks, allowing users to scroll left/right on similar widgets. But like scrolling screenshots, this feature is still hidden.

Still on screenshots, the markup menu after the update to Android 12 now lets users add emojis in addition to notes and/or doodles. Furthermore, editing and/or annotating images is now possible in the Share Sheet.

 

Nearby Share for Wi-Fi passwords

 

Android Q enabled the ability to connect to the same Wi-Fi by simply scanning a QR code. With Android 12, Google is now making it possible to share Wi-Fi passwords via Nearby Share.

 

Redirect haptic feedback to Gaming Controllers

 

Instead of adding an actual Game Mode, Google has included a rather minor but still cool feature that lets gamers send their phone’s haptic feedback to gaming controllers (gamepad).

 

Privacy & security

 

A new Android OS update won’t be one unless there is talk of improved privacy and security. This is the same case with Android 12, where Google is set to add visual indicators to alert users when system apps such as camera or microphone are in use.

The new OS is also adding other privacy and security features such as permissions dialog, a new Emergency SOS feature is activated upon pressing power button five times.

Even better is that Android 12 users will be able to add a custom SOS helpline number alongside the usual 911 or 112 as well as set off an alarm to easily let first responders easily spot you.

For a detailed coverage of the new Android 12 features and all the visual elements included in the OS, head over to this XDA article.

06:39 pm (IST): More features are being spotted in Android 12. According to Android Police, it’s now possible to hide the camera cutout on the Google Pixel 4a, 4a 5G and Pixel 5.

The feature can be accessed by heading to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer options > Display cutout, but you need to enable Developer options.

The same guys at Android Police also came across the option to enable a grid size of 4 by 5 icons in the Pixel Launcher.

11:23 am (IST): Based on the recent leaks, it seems that the Android 12 update is turning out to be a pretty major one with a bunch of changes comprising of UI tweaks and under-the-hood improvements.

Firstly, there is the theming system in action that has been discussed so much recently. This implementation tints app backgrounds and the quick settings panel according to a dominant color from the wallpaper.

Secondly, the one-handed mode discussed earlier has now made an appearance as well. Toggling the mode on will essentially shrink the viewing area vertically thus making single-handed operability far more convenient. A great addition considering how tall phones have grown recently with up to 21:9 aspect ratios.

The above info has been sourced from XDA Developers (1, 2).

Speaking of one-handed usage, Google has finally incorporated One UI style section headers with a new feature flag called “silky home”. Enabling will result in the action bar occupying a huge section at the top of the display, thus pushing elements down for easier reachability.

To know more, along with a video of the feature in action, check this out.

Lastly, we are all too familiar with how disastrous the back gesture can be when trying to access navigation drawers. Google tried to do away with them on some apps too like Google Maps but it has now become clear that they are here to stay.

Nonetheless, Google is finally doing something for this major hindrance and it involves the clever usage of machine learning. It will be used to intelligently predict when the user intends to use the back gesture.

For details, head here and as for the full gallery of images showing the new theming system, see images below.

03:10 pm (IST): Check out a list of all the devices from OnePlus that will be eligible for the Android 12 update and other details by heading here.

05:58 pm (IST): In case you’re wondering if your Samsung device is eligible for the Android 12 update, you can head here to check out the list of eligible devices from Samsung as well as other details regarding the upcoming Android version.

12:07 pm (IST): Reports coming in can confirm that Android 12 developer preview 1 enables Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) on the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5, a feature that was previously limited to 4G networks.

04:40 pm (IST): New features have been discovered in Android 12 DP1. Folks at 9to5Google can confirm that the Pixel 5 now supports the double tap on the back gesture, but it’s not active yet.

The gesture will be used to trigger one of several actions namely:

– Open Assistant
– Take screenshot
– Play and pause media
– See recent apps
– Open notifications

Below is a screenshot of the feature.

The same 9to5Google also reports that

06:09 pm (IST): Android 12 also comes with support for new audio-coupled haptics and if you want to see the feature in action, XDA has all the details here. Below is one of the videos shared by the publication.

The publication has also dived deeper into the previously highlighted App Pairs feature now that the OS is here, but of course, it is incomplete at this stage.

Further deeper into the first developer preview version also lies a hidden Gaming Toolbar that floats on your screen, XDA has determined. Like other hidden features, though, this one is still in its early stages.

The previously leaked Conversation widget is also present in the first Android 12 build and if you’d like to see it in action, the guys at XDA also have you covered. Below is a screenshot of the widget.

02:47 pm (IST): We’ve now come up with a list of devices from Realme that may be eligible for the Realme UI 3.0 update based on Android 12 that should be available later this year. Head here to check out the list and other details.

03:12 pm (IST): According to XDA, Google Pixel 3 and above may gain support for custom lock screen clocks with the update to Android 12. See details here.

11:26 am (IST): Google has released a new version of Android 12 developer preview 1.1, the first incremental update. Below is a list of the bugs Google has fixed:

– Fixed an issue where on some devices, the device intermittently disconnected from Wi-Fi even when the Wi-Fi signal was strong.
– Fixed an issue where on some devices, the device displayed a “System UI keeps stopping” message if the user tried to take a screenshot by pressing Power + Volume Down from the Lock screen.
– Fixed an issue with partial wake locks that could cause excessive battery drain.
– Fixed an issue where a device’s fingerprint reader could become unresponsive when the device was suspended, requiring the user to unlock their device using another method.

– Fixed an issue where the Settings app could crash if the user tried to access app notification settings.
– Fixed an issue where the system UI could freeze after the user updated the device.
– Fixed an issue where the CellBroadcastReceiver app could not obtain the android.permission.BROADCAST_CLOSE_SYSTEM_DIALOGS permission, causing emergency alerts to crash.
– Fixed an issue that could cause some devices to reboot intermittently.
– Fixed an issue that could cause some devices to reboot after the user unlocked the device using their PIN.
Source

05:31 pm (IST): Android 12 is slated to bring support for an entirely new image format called AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) which will store the same information as a WebP image but with a 50% reduced size or even a third of typical JPGs.

It will also allow both static images and animated ones to be stored inside it, just like GIFs do. One can say that it will be a cross of sorts between GIF and JPG. More info here.

10:02 am (IST): We’ve curated a list of Motorola smartphones that we believe will get the update to Android 12. Head here to check it out.

05:17 pm (IST): Android 12 DP 1.1 has a small addition that 9to5Google discovered. Apparently, the “PIN required after devices restarts” warning message that pops when you attempt to unlock your phone via the fingerprint scanner after restarting it has changed colors from white to red, making it more prominent.

Details here.

12:51 pm (IST): Android 12 developer preview 2 is among us and as expected, it brings along improvements and optimizations as well as some new features too.

Some of the notable additions are the improvements to notification security and picture-in-picture, but this currently affects app developers, as highlighted here.

Below are some of the new stuff you get.

 

New dark theme

 

As far as user-facing changes are concerned, Android 12 DP2 brings what looks like a lighter shade of the new dark theme introduced in DP1.

 

Custom one-handed mode

 

Like other players that have been focusing on easing the use of one hand on the ever-growing big screens, Android 12 DP2 has added one of its own too.

Google Pixel users on Android 12 DP2 can enable One-handed mode via the Gestures settings. Once enabled, users can swipe down towards the bottom of the screen to trigger it.

To make it even better, Google has included timeout options of 4 seconds, 8 seconds, 12 seconds, and never, allowing users to pick when to exit the mode.

 

New notification swipe-down gesture

 

Google has also added a new swipe-down gesture to pull down the notification bar from within any app and not just the home screen, like it is today.

 

New widget picker

 

Besides the new notification gesture, the Pixel Launcher is also getting a new widget picker in Android 12 DP2.

Other changes discovered in DP2 include the ability to “pick and choose which apps a Notification Listener (like Wear OS app) service can intercept”, smart forwarding calls, a new “Turn screen darker” setting page, lockscreen tweaks to PIN and Pattern locks, media player matching the accent color, and more.

As you’d expect from a developer preview version, there are a bunch of hidden features as well. As per XDA, these features include:

– A new Search widget for the Pixel Launcher
– Taskbar for large screen devices
– Face-based autorotation
– Game Dashboard
– Conversation/People Space Widget Picker
– Revamped PIN view
– Enhanced Monet Theming System
– New Toast Message UI
– A Quick Setting tile to show the Device Controls menu is in the works
Source

07:24 pm (IST): The new Gboard themes have still not rolled out even after several months of A/B testing and Android 12 could be the one to blame. For more details, check this out.

02:11 pm (IST): Earlier, we reported about the privacy indicators that Android 12 is coming with. And now in a related development, a dev has managed to enable the redesigned indicators.

As seen in the screenshot below, the privacy indicators now sit inside a green pill and when you tap on it, you get to see the apps currently using the camera, location, and microphone.

12:19 pm (IST): The latest Android 12 developer preview 2.1 is now out with fixes for WebView crashes. The update carries build number SPP2.210219.008.A1 and Play services version 21.06.13.

Below is the brief changelog shared by Google.

[Android 12 Developer Preview 2.1 — March 2021]

– This minor update to Android 12 Developer Preview 2 updates WebView to fix an issue that caused some apps to crash.
Source

11:59 am (IST): Android 12’s recent panel is now testing a translation suggestion button designed to conveniently translate text from the recents itself. More details here.

10:41 am (IST): Android 12 may finally let third-party launchers have better search capabilities with Universal device saerch, similar to what we get on vanilla Android search.

With Android 12 there may appear a comprehensive list of elements from the existing apps on the device.

For example, when searched for a song, results from apps (Spotify/Youtube Music) will also appear in the search results.

11:01 am (IST): LG, even after bowing out from the smartphone industry, may still continue to push Android updates for some time.

The company, in its latest schedule, has assured to continue the Android 11 rollout and may even push the Android 12 update for a few eligible devices.

11:05 am (IST): Android 12 has brought about a set of new emojis and even alters several of the existing ones. These emojis can be set on any rooted device running Android 11. For more details, head here.

10:58 am (IST): The Google Pixels are now receiving a new Android 12 developer preview version 2.2 that brings April security patch alongside a bunch of bug fixes. See details here.

05:35 pm (IST): Folks with LG smartphones who’re looking for more details regarding the upcoming update to Android 12 can check out our dedicated tracker to be informed on all the latest developments.

06:24 pm (IST): Google I/O 2021 just went official. The event will be held virtually and will be streamed live and free for all. It will also talk about the Pixel 5a and Android 12. The I/O developer conference will be held on May 18-20.

12:01 pm (IST): 1. It looks like Google is working on adding a new entry to Settings > Storage with Android 12 to show how much storage space all trashed items use up. This could be a good indicator that Android 12 will finally permit users to access the hidden Recycle Bin.

2. Google may be working on a framework to help translate an app’s UI to the user’s native language with Android 12. Details here.

06:00 pm (IST): For all developments regarding the availability of Android 12 for Asus smartphones, you can now check out our dedicated tracker for the same.

01:16 pm (IST): 1. Android 12 will hibernate unused apps to free up space automatically. This will be done by clearing app cache. More details here.

2. Android 12 also deprecates the RenderScript API for GPU compute tasks that was introduced way back with Android 3.0 Honeycomb.

01:25 pm (IST): A bunch of Android 12 features have been revealed by XDA Developers thanks to an upcoming leaked build. Some of the highlights include:

1. Functional changes: Improvements to Scrolling Screenshots, Hold power button to call Google Assistant, search bar, Wi-Fi & Internet changes, Quick Setting tile for Device Controls, Cards and Passes.

2. Design changes: The volume panel has been re-designed entirely. The brightness slider has also been tweaked. You also get a bunch of new animations.

3. Privacy features: These include all new iOS-like Clipboard Access Prompts combined with enhanced notification permissions and more.

For further details on all of the above, head here.

05:49 pm (IST): Android 12 DP3 just went live and brings along a bunch of new features and UI tweaks. Some of these have been discussed below:

1. Rounder corners: Almost every UI element in Android 12 is now rounder and more aesthetically pleasing than before.

2. Smarter link opening: Android is now getting smart enough to bug users regarding the app they wish to use a particular link as the system will decide that itself. Details here.

3. Updated Settings app design: The DP3 has brought about some pretty significant design changes to the Settings app which although looks prettier is now way less informative.

4. Screenshot markup updates: The Android screenshot editor now supports text addition in several new fonts.

Of course, there are many more other changes that you can access from here.

04:02 pm (IST): Another day, another bunch of feature revelations on Android 12. These include:

1. Shortcut for accessibility menu: In previous Android versions, you could activate the accessibility menu by swiping up with two fingers from the bottom of the screen. DP3 does away with that option in favor of a dedicated button.

2. ‘Open by default’ new UI: The Open by default option available under the App info of supported apps has seen some significant improvements on DP3. It will also display a bunch of links that will be opened through that particular app.

3. Dynamic widgets: Android 12 DP3’s latest widgets now dynamically change color based on the current wallpaper.

4. Screenshot swipe change: Android 12 DP3 lets you swipe away screenshots either left or right. Previously, that was limited to the right side alone.

5. Extra dim mode: This feature can be accessed via Settings -> Accessibility -> Extra dim and helps reduce the screen brightness to an even lower level of your choice.

6. Android ‘Accounts’ page changes: The old “Accounts” page in settings has now been renamed to “Passwords and accounts” in DP3 along with some tweaks.

02:45 pm (IST): 1. Android 12 DP3 makes some more changes to the notification panel. The notification counter at the bottom right corner has now been moved up and also gets a colored background (Source).

2. Toast notifications on Android 12 DP3 are now dynamically themed depending on the light/dark mode in use. Also, the new universal splash screens were found to change background colors similarly (Source).

3. The new 4×4 home screen grid differs slightly from the existing one – the app icons aren’t as large. It instead retains the icon size of the default 5×5 layout (Source).

12:55 pm (IST): The first list of I/O 2021 sessions was released today and we now have our first glimpse at what to expect from Google’s developer conference. The program is set to talk about Wear, Android 12 widgets, and the integration of Assistant and Android. More details here.

10:08 am (IST): The guys over at Android Police have a pretty detailed list of features that have popped in the developer preview versions so far — and are expected in the stable release too.

You can check it out here.

05:55 pm (IST): If you’re looking for more information regarding the availability and status of Android 12 for Sony Xperia phones, you can now check out our dedicated tracker.

06:36 pm (IST): Those looking for more information about the availability of Android 12 for smartphones purchased through U.S. carriers such as AT&T and Verizon can now check out our dedicated tracker.

05:48 pm (IST): The latest Google App beta – version 12.18.6.29 to be precise – is testing a new way to trigger Google Assistant. This can be done via a long press of the power button.

04:24 pm (IST): Google seems to be testing a new UI for the Assistant that will be synchronous with Android 12’s theming system. More details here.

12:00 pm (IST): A new Android 12 video leak has emerged right before the commencement of I/O 2021 highlighting some of the really radical changes the OS update has in store. You may check it out from the video below:

06:14 pm (IST): The Android 12 update’s new privacy control could include a Privacy Dashboard where users can more easily restrict apps’ ability to access some permissions.

12:11 pm (IST): Xiaomi has the most non-Google devices in Android 12 Beta 1, but all betas come with bugs, and the builds for the Mi 11 and Mi 11X series are no different. For a list of bugs to expect and download links, head here.

12:11 pm (IST): The Android 12 Beta 1 update just went live for Google Pixel devices all the way back to Pixel 3 and for several more devices from OEMs that participated in the beta program like Xiaomi and OnePlus.

The update has now given us the best insight yet into what the final stable version of Android 12 is going to look like. We have mentioned all of the highlight features and developments brought along by the Android 12 Beta 1 update below:

1. Visual overhaul: From the Beta 1 update onwards, the OS has broken free from the shackles of Android 11 and has begun to look completely unique whether it’s the lockscreen, quick settings, apps, widgets and more.

2. Android 12 beta GSI: Following the Google I/O, the Android 12 GSI is now available for download. Head here for download links and flashing instructions.

3. Android 12 as car key: Android 12 will officially let “select Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones” natively act as a car key later this year. For details, head here.

4. As it stands, Android 12 and all of its cool new goodies will be first made available for the Google Pixels following which most of it should be merged into AOSP. More details here.

5. App shortcuts updates: App shortcuts haven’t exactly been convenient to access till now since they’re hidden behind a long press on the app icons on the launcher. However, with Android 12, they will receive a renewed utility thanks to their integration into Google Assistant. Details here.

12:55 pm (IST): TCL has kickstarted their Android 12 beta program for the TCL 20 Pro 5G. For download link and flashing instructions, head here.

01:22 pm (IST): Android 12 adds APIs for Bluetooth LE Audio, paving the way for better Bluetooth audio along with app hibernation as a way to free the OS from unused app storage space.

01:29 pm (IST): XDA has found that Android 12 will finally let alternative app stores update apps without bothering the user.

Usually when you sideload an app on Android, you have to first grant the install unknown apps permission, but that is now set to change.

01:33 pm (IST): Android 12 has made some changes to the Battery settings menu where the Screen-on time data is no longer shown. For details, head here.

02:40 pm (IST): It appears that Google is finally fixing the Google Photos issue on Samsung phones where screenshots would get backed up automatically with other images from the camera roll:

If device implementation have screenshot or screen recording functionality, including by way of hardware shortcut or software button, they:
MUST save the image or video file generated in a directory called “Screenshots” which is automatically generated under “Pictures” on onboard memory or a SD card in a reliable port. It is accessible by using DIRECTORY_SCREENSHOTS.
MUST NOT save screenshots and screen recordings in DCIM, Pictures, Videos, or a custom directory.
Source

02:50 pm (IST): Pixel 6 may use Android 12’s audio-coupled haptics feature for ringtones. This will help create custom vibration effects for ringtones. For details, head here.

06:54 pm (IST): The Android 12’s game mode has finally become accessible to users in Beta 1, but you still can’t use it. For more details, head here.

01: pm (IST): Android 12 Beta 1 brings a new sparkle animation in the ripple effect when tapping on certain buttons or interactable elements. Do you think it’s ugly and out of place or are you loving the new animation? Vote in our poll here.

04:09 pm (IST): Google has released an update to Google Feed that brings Android 12 wallpaper-based theming to Android 11. Check it out here.

A comprehensive list of all emoji changes is now available to see what all does Android 12 Beta 1 brings.

02:50 pm (IST): The Android 12 update now seems to be blocking 3rd-party apps from replacing the share sheet (share menu). Due to this, certain apps like Sharedr will fail to work. More details here.

03:54 pm (IST): Android 12 is hiding a secret high-performance mode Digital Wellbeing > Do Not Disturb > Schedules. Tapping on the schedule reportedly launches the high performance game mode. More details here.

05:07 pm (IST): Android 12 Extensions v4.1.0 is a Magisk module to enable multiple hidden Pixel-exclusive features on any device running Android 12 beta. For more info, head here.

12:06 pm (IST): The Android 12 ‘Hold for Assistant’ feature is now enabled by default in current internal Android 12 builds. The power menu is accessible through a volume up + power button press combo. Details here.

12:32 pm (IST): With Android 12, when opted out of interest-based advertising and ads personalization, the advertising identifier will not be available for the developers to access.

This will begin to roll out to Android 12 apps in late 2021 and will expand to all the apps.

12:32 pm (IST): The Android 12 beta 2 went live earlier yesterday and an APK teardown revealed that Google is working on bringing a new Google “Live Translate” feature to the Google Pixels.

The feature will probably transcribe and then translate speech detected on-device in real-time. Details here.

14:02 pm (IST): Android 12 Beta 2 update seems to have gotten rid of the weather widget from the lockscreen, along with redesigning the power menu which means that the Android 11 Power Menu has now been relocated. More on that here.

14:27 pm (IST): Android 12 Beta 2 has brought a number of changes and enhancements to this new version of Android including but not limited to the new privacy features such as privacy dashboard, mic and camera toggle indicator, and a whole set of little UI changes, many of which you can check out here.

04:32 pm (IST): The Files Go app on Android 12 beta 2 has received some pretty major changes including a new Trash folder, redesigned bottom navigation bar, and its file-sharing feature is now powered by Nearby Share. More details here.

04:36 pm (IST): The Android 12 Beta 2 brings along several UI changes including new animations for Settings app and the YouTube PiP and themes support for app icons. More details here.

04:40 pm (IST): You also get a new charge connection animation that now works beyond the lockscreen combined with a new animation for unlocking the device.

07:10 pm (IST): Android 12 is adding a new status bar indicator for ongoing calls with Beta 2. For more details, head here.

06:47 pm (IST): Android 12 Clock Widgets is an app that brings the new Widgets style and components to all devices without the need for KWGT. In case you are looking to try out Android 12 widgets on a device running Android 11 or older, you might want to head here.

10:57 am (IST): Google has released Android 12 Beta 3 update for users of Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a, or 5. The update with build number SPB3.210618.013 brings a bunch of enhancements and improvements to Android 12. Some of the fixes include:

– Fixed various issues with WebView that could make apps crash intermittently.
– Fixed an issue where the date did not appear in the notification shade. (Issue #189569006)
– Fixed issues where a device sometimes stopped responding to touch input in apps or on the Home screen. (Issue #189426854)
– Fixed an issue where screen-on time was missing from battery usage information in the Settings app. (Issue #188657464)
– Fixed an issue where the estimated amount of remaining battery in the status bar displayed off of the screen. (Issue #188616134)

– Fixed an issue where sometimes a black bar appeared on the lock screen. (Issue #190738110)
– Fixed an issue where the App Overview button stopped working when using 3-button navigation. (Issue #188969484)
– Fixed an issue where volume controls and sliders were not displayed correctly. (Issue #190795682)
– Fixed an issue where the brightness slider in Quick Settings moved to the minimum value when the phone was locked. (Issue #190784671)
– Fixed an issue where the phone locked when launching the camera by double-pressing the power button. (Issue #188797848)

– Fixed issues where the system incorrectly applied fullscreen and immersive mode on the home screen and in some apps. (Issue -#189233176, Issue #180691018)
– Fixed an issue where the page indicator dots for Quick Settings were incorrect. (Issue #189108526)
– Fixed an issue where the notification shade sometimes flickered when swiping down to access notifications. (Issue #189744186)
– Fixed an issue where sometimes the brightness was lower on one half of the screen when viewing apps in landscape mode. (Issue #190064553)
-Fixed an issue where the phone indicated that a phone call was still ongoing even after the call had ended. (Issue #191838222)

– Fixed issues that prevented notification bubbles from opening in some apps. (Issue #189350738)
– Fixed an issue where toggling wallet options off in a device’s lock screen settings did not remove wallet options from the lock screen. (Issue #190805901)
– Fixed an issue where the Settings app crashed when a user tried to access Themes and Styles settings. (Issue #190786058)
– Fixed issues that prevented some apps from printing files or photos. (Issue #190169675)
– Fixed an issue where the icon in the volume slider was not centered when the volume was set to the minimum level. (Issue #190577754)

Other resolved issues

– Fixed an issue where app icons were sometimes cut off when using the SplashScreen API.
– Fixed an issue where, after setting an Animated Vector Drawable and a setOnExitAnimationListener(), the vector drawable’s animation stopped when the callback was called.
– Fixed an issue for devices that had both a device-wide password and a work profile security challenge where the work challenge did not prompt the user to unlock when a user tapped a work app’s notification on the lock screen.
Source

05:43 pm (IST): As for the feature additions brought along by Android 12 Beta 3, you now get scrolling screenshots, smarter auto-rotate, on-device search, themed icons, option to copy links from the recent apps overview, media recommendations, and much more.

10:57 am (IST): Users of Pixel devices who’ve installed Android 12 Beta 3 on their units note that the update has brought back the date in the notification shade. However, it turns out that the update has also removed the shortcut to open the clock/alarm by tapping the said time.

06:35 pm (IST): Just a few days after the release of the Android 12 Beta 3, users have discovered that Google has decided to remove the font and icon customization options that were available on Android 10 and Android 11.

These UI customization options will be replaced by a “more modern and intelligent” dynamic theming engine called Material You.

While this might be good for some, the majority of users say Google is taking inspiration from iOS by reducing the number of customization options. The company says they have no intention of bringing it back and hasn’t replied to any negative feedback about the same.

10:20 am (IST): Android 12 Beta 3.1 is now rolling out for users with some fixes for Pixel device owners. This is the last major release in the Android 12 Preview program.

Coming to the changelog, Android 12 Beta 3.1(SPB3.210618.016) fixes several bugs that were affecting Android users such as the infamous boot loop glitch.

Keep in mind that this is a minor update aimed at making the device more stable. Here is the full changelog:

Fixed an issue that caused some devices to get stuck in a boot loop after restarting the device. (Issue #193789343)
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the System UI to crash.
Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the Android low memory killer daemon (lmkd) to excessively kill processes.

Google has said that the bugs that affect Android 12 Beta 3 will still be present in Beta 3.1. It is currently rolling out on the Pixel devices as an OTA.

11:16 am (IST): A new update to the Google Contacts app on Android 12 has now added the Material You design theme engine. More on that here.

 

Update 68 (August 05)

 

01:25 pm (IST): New reports now indicate that Google Photos now supports the Google Photos ‘Your memories’ home screen widget as it is now showing up for some Android 12 users with Pixel devices. More on that in our coverage here.

 

Update 69 (August 06)

 

01:25 pm (IST): Gboard fans on Android 12 will be pleased to know that Google might be planning to add more Material You elements to the app soon as per a fresh report.

 

Update 70 (August 10)

 

08:02 am (IST): Reports now indicate that the Google Dialer app is now showing an Ongoing call chip in the status bar for users on Android 12.

This Ongoing call chip has been seen on several devices running Beta 3.1 and the latest beta version (68.0.388241074) of the Google Phone app. However, not everyone seems to have it quite yet. More on that here.

08:50 am (IST): Chrome Canary gets even more colorful with its big Material You revamp in the latest version. More on that here.

 

Update 71 (August 12)

 

10:43 am (IST): Ahead of the official Android 12 launch that is slated in the next few months, Google has just pushed out the Android 12 Beta 4 update, which includes Platform Stability, to eligible devices in the Beta channel. More on that here.

 

Update 72 (August 14)

 

02:44 pm (IST): Android 12 Beta 4 has been released and comes with a number of changes, the summary of which we have given below:

1. The widget resizer has been updated to have better colors so that its colors don’t blend into the home screen wallpaper, thus improving visibility.

2. Android 12’s screenshot cropping tool has now picked up the Material You design and receiving dynamic theming. Its colors will now change based on the wallpaper.

3. The Google Phone app is doing away with those annoying bubbles and is replacing them with “chips” on the status bar that will display during calls.

4. Smart home controls that were originally named “Device controls” were relabeled “Home controls” in Beta 3. With beta 4, they’re back to the former name.

5. Last but not least, the Settings app is being polished up as Android 12 nears stable release, with improved theming and dark mode support.

 

Update 73 (August 14)

 

11:40 pm (IST): With the release of Android 12 Beta 4, some new bugs have surfaced. Users have reported that the Android notification banners are not appearing on the latest release. Users have also reported a bug that has completely broken the VPN functionality for users.

 

Update 74 (August 16)

 

09:40 am (IST): Android 12 now has the ability to allow users to grant approximate access to apps. Similarly, Android 12 seems to have tweaked the Google Pixel Adaptive Charging so phones reach 100% closer to alarm. More on that here and here.

 

Update 75 (August 17)

 

IST 10:20 am: In Android 12 Beta 4, Google is now adding an accessibility feature that should allow impaired users to control their Android using their facial expressions. More on that here.

 

Update 76 (August 20)

 

IST 11:20 am: New reports now indicate that Android 12 will allow users to open multiple windows on their Google Chrome installs, just like you would on the desktop versions. With this multiple-instance support, more than one Chrome window can appear in Android 12’s recent apps overview. More on that here.

 

Update 77 (August 23)

 

IST 10:57 am: New reports now indicate that Google is planning to ditch Android Auto for phone screens with the release of Android 12. Speaking to 9to5Google, the Mountain View company confirmed that the experience will not be available for users on Android 12 but older Android versions, it will remain.

Additionally, Google says that Assistant Driving Mode will be the built-in mobile driving experience on Android 12.

 

Update 78 (August 26)

 

IST 12:26 pm: Android 12 Beta 4.1 is out and the stable release is ever so close. This minor update to Android 12 Beta 4 includes the following fixes:

– Fixed an issue that caused some devices to get stuck in a boot loop after restarting the device. (Issue #193789343)
– Fixed an issue where heads-up notifications were sometimes not shown, requiring the user to swipe into the notification drawer to view them. (Issue #196264672)
– Fixed an issue where the device volume controls sometimes did not work when casting. (Issue #196528545)
– Fixed an issue where Face Unlock did not work on some devices. (Issue #189819846)
– Fixed an issue that prevented users from granting the Nearby Devices permission to the Phone app in settings. Users who are experiencing a crash loop with the Phone app when trying to make a call over Bluetooth can now grant the required permission. To do this, long press the Phone app and tap App info , then go to Permissions > Nearby devices and select Allow. (Issue #196325588)
– Fixed an issue where, after connecting the phone to a VPN, the phone could not connect to the internet. (Issue #196237480)
Source

 

Update 79 (September 01)

 

IST 11:26 am: In a new addition, the Gboard app on Android 12 has reportedly picked up circular keypress ‘popups’ as part of Google’s Material You theme.

 

Update 80 (September 02)

 

IST 11:15 am: In line with the colorful Android 12 Material You design, Google’s messaging app is getting an update that brings more colorful item pickers.

It is worth noting that this change on Google Messages (version 9.3 beta) has only been noted to work on devices running Android 12 and older OSes haven’t been as lucky.

 

Update 81 (September 03)

 

IST 10:52 am: As we inch ever so close to the release of Android 12, we see more and more first-party apps getting the material You redesign. Now, Reports have it that Gmail is rolling out the material You redesign for users on Android 12.

 

Update 82 (September 04)

 

IST 12:20 pm: It looks like Google is working on a revamped search function on the Android 12 Beta 4.

Unlike the existing search function, the upcoming feature can be accessed from the search bar in the app drawer. Users will be able to perform system-wide searches for shortcuts, people, settings amongst other things.

Moreover, you can also disable each category individually. But it looks like the feature is still a work in progress and Google might add categories in a future update.

Right now, the system-wide search function can only be activated on rooted Pixel devices running Magisk. In the meantime, you can watch the new search function in action in the video below:

 

Update 83 (September 06)

 

IST 11:10 am: Ice Universe, a popular leakster on all matters Samsung has since shared a video of what is believed to be the Charging animation that should come in One UI 4.0 Beta. More on that here.

IST 11:17 am: New reports now have it that the Android 12 Beta ROM for the Redmi K40 Pro is now available for users in China. You can download the same here. More on that in our Xiaomi Android 12 tracker.

 

Update 84 (September 09)

 

IST 11:42 am: Google has released the final Beta for Android 12 (Android 12 Beta 5) ahead of the official release slated for later this year. This update comes with the August 2021 security patch and Google Play services version 21.26.21.

More on what this build brings is in the release notes here.

IST 11:54 am: Following the Android 12 easter egg, reports now have it that Google is following it up with a new Paint Chip widget.

IST 12:04 pm: The Device Personalization Services have been reportedly renamed to Private Compute Core in Android 12, a move that also hints further changes are set to come to Pixel devices.

IST 13:24 pm: New reports now suggest that we could see a mid-cycle release for Android 12, presumably Android 12.1. More on that here.

 

Update 85 (September 10)

 

IST 11:42 am: The final Android 12 is out for Pixel devices and as such, the next stop is the stable release of Android 12. Ahead of that launch, Google is giving its Workspace apps the Material You treatment.

The following first-party apps have been updated to be in line with the Material You design language.

– Google calendar
– Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
– Google Drive
– Google Meet
– Gmail
Source

 

Update 86 (September 11)

 

IST 02:13 pm: A few screenshots of the Google Translate app with the new Material You theme have reportedly surfaced online.

Unfortunately, it’s not clear when Google will release the updated and Android 12-ready translate app yet.

 

Update 87 (September 13)

 

IST 01:13 pm: New reports now suggest that Google plans to release the Android 12 stable AOSP on October 4. This, according to said reports, will coincide with Android 12 release for Pixel devices.

IST 04:45 pm: Joining the growing list of apps that support Google’s new Material You theme is the company’s official Phone app, as per a fresh report.

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