Android 16: A Step Back in Time for Quick Settings Tiles?

Google is rumored to be exploring a significant change in the way Quick Settings tiles work on Android devices. Specifically, the tiles for internet and Bluetooth connections might return to their old behavior, expanding directly within the Quick Settings area instead of popping up in separate panels.

A Blast from the Past

This design shift would bring back a familiar experience for Android users who remember older versions of the operating system, such as Android 5.1 to 8.1. In those days, tapping on the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tile would expand it within the Quick Settings panel, showing more options without creating a separate floating window. This functionality was removed in Android 9 when the Quick Settings panel was redesigned.

The Evolution of Quick Settings

• Android 5.1 to 8.1: Tiles expanded within the Quick Settings panel
• Android 9: Floating panels introduced for internet and Bluetooth
• Android 12: Internet panel introduced
• Android 14: Bluetooth panel introduced

Google’s work on Android 16 involves a broader redesign of notifications and Quick Settings. They’re experimenting with separating these into two distinct pages, a model already used by some Android phone makers. This split would allow for more information to be displayed in each section.

A More Streamlined Experience?

If this change comes to the public version of Android, it could simplify how users interact with internet and Bluetooth settings. A return to the in-panel expansion could make it quicker to connect to Wi-Fi networks or pair Bluetooth devices. For many users, this may feel like a welcome return to a more intuitive system.

However, it’s worth noting that the timeline for these changes is uncertain. The redesigned notifications and Quick Settings panels, along with the tile behavior, are still under development. While the stable version of Android 16 is expected in the future, these features may not be ready in time or might not even make it to the final release.