Android 15 may bring back status bar icons reminiscent of Samsung’s One UI and the classic Android 4.4 KitKat design.
According to a recent report, Android 15 is set to introduce updated status bar icons for the first time in a decade. These changes were observed in the developer previews of Google’s upcoming Android version. The new design will reintroduce the segmented status bar icons reminiscent of earlier Android versions. Additionally, Google plans to enhance the quick settings menu with haptic feedback and improved animations. These updates will be available on new devices shipping with Android 15 and those receiving the software update, subject to the smartphone maker’s implementation.
Android Authority highlights that the redesigned status bar icons in Android 15 represent the most significant visual change since the release of Android 5 (Lollipop) in 2014. Back then, Google transitioned from a segmented status bar design to one that adhered to its Material Design guidelines. Despite a few minor tweaks over the years, the status bar icons have largely remained unchanged, including in the current Android 14 version.
The reintroduction of segmented status bar icons in Android 15 is expected to evoke a sense of nostalgia for long-time Android users. This design choice harkens back to the days before Material Design, offering a blend of modern functionality with a classic look. The move signifies Google’s willingness to revisit and refine past design elements to enhance the user experience.
In addition to the visual changes, Android 15 will reportedly feature haptic feedback for the quick settings menu buttons. This means users will feel subtle vibrations when interacting with quick settings toggles, adding a tactile dimension to the user interface. This enhancement aims to make the interaction with quick settings more intuitive and satisfying.
Improved animations for the quick settings menu are also on the horizon. These animations are expected to provide a smoother and more visually appealing experience when users access and interact with quick settings. The combination of haptic feedback and refined animations reflects Google’s commitment to enhancing both the aesthetic and functional aspects of Android.
Overall, the upcoming Android 15 update promises significant design and usability improvements. The redesigned status bar icons and enhanced quick settings menu are poised to deliver a fresh yet familiar experience for Android users. As these changes roll out on new devices and through software updates, users can look forward to a more engaging and visually appealing interface.
The battery icon in the status bar has also been updated on Android 15 DP 2 — the vertical icon has been replaced with a horizontal design with support for displaying the battery percentage inside the icon. A charging indicator is also displayed inside the icon, alongside the battery percentage, when the handset is being charged. We will have to wait until Q3 2024 to know whether Google plans on rolling out these UI changes with the stable release.