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Android P folds the iPhone X notch and gestures, do you like where Google is heading?

By Daniel Petrov

Updated: Apr 23, 2018, 4:58 AM

42comments

Android P folds the iPhone X notch and gestures, do you like where Google is heading?

Google recently cut out an image from its developers blog, as it was showing the overhauled navigation paradigm of the upcoming Android P update before it had become official. The shots depicted a new navigation strip that had only two virtual buttons - an elliptical home bar, and a back key - with recent app duties allegedly taken over by a swipe-up gesture.

These iPhone X-style gestures may actually find their way into Android 9.0 Popsicle, or whatever it's called, that should be announced next month at Google I/O, which will be held May 8-10 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre at San Francisco, California. That navigation and gestures aren't a true iPhone X ripoff, though, for the simple reason that iOS doesn't have a universal back key (duh).

Still, if the home key becomes a mere gesture indicator like it was depicted by Google, while swiping up and holding would bring recent apps, the copycat journey would be complete. Adding insult to injury, Android P is already introducing official screen cutout support, aka the notch, as you can see from Google's official developer blog imaging on the right.

With the P20 family of Huawei, we have the first major Android handsets that have reworked the interface to fit a notch in, and even add an iPhone X-esque home indicator in the nav bar settings. This is why we wanted to ask you whether you approve of this follow-the-trend mentality that Google seems to be introducing with Android P.

Android P folds the iPhone X notch and gestures, do you like where Google is heading?

As long as the features make sense, who cares

47.28%

I don't like it, Google and Android makers should keep it original

52.72%

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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.