Android 15 preps new Pixel Launcher animations and features

While the Pixel Launcher might not boast the same level of customization as some third-party options, Google consistently introduces new features with each Android iteration. The upcoming Android 15 update is no different, bringing a series of refinements designed to enhance the app launching experience.

Accelerated and enhanced app animations

One of the most noticeable changes is a revamped animation for swiping up to return to the home screen. This animation is designed to be faster and more responsive, incorporating a springier feel that accentuates the existing wallpaper zoom effect. These adjustments contribute to a smoother and more visually pleasing transition.

Refined Pixel Launcher widget recommendations in Android 15

Next on the agenda are improvements to the Pixel Launcher’s widget recommendations in Android 15. Currently, the widget selector presents a single, seemingly arbitrary recommendation at the top. This update introduces a more comprehensive recommendation system, providing users with a wider selection of widgets to choose from. Additionally, these recommendations are categorized by type, streamlining the process of finding widgets that align with your home screen needs.

During testing, Mishaal Rahman discovered three primary recommendation categories: Essentials, Social, and Entertainment. However, the underlying code hints at five additional potential categories, including Health & Fitness, News & Magazines, Suggested for You, Your Chill Zone, and Weather. This expanded range of categories caters to a broader spectrum of user preferences.

Simplified widget placement

Additionally, the process of adding widgets to the home screen will see simplification in the new update. The introduction of a “+ Add” button within the widget selector marks a departure from the previous method of pressing, holding, and dragging. This change aims to minimize the effort required to customize the home screen, thereby making the feature more accessible and less cumbersome for the end-user.

Improvements to the recents screen UI

The final area of improvement concerns the recents screen user interface (UI) in Android 15. The recents screen, powered by a module within the system launcher app known as QuickStep, retains its horizontal carousel layout for displaying recently opened apps. However, the method for accessing the app info page, split-screen mode, and app pausing functionalities is undergoing a transformation.

It’s important to note that these Pixel Launcher changes documented in this article are not yet implemented within the publicly available Android 15 beta 1. To experience them firsthand, manual flag activation is required. Consequently, there’s a possibility that one or more of these features might not make it into the official Android 15 release slated for later this year.

Inline image source: Android Authority