Google is developing plans to incorporate Samsung's standard navigation bar design into Pixel handsets.
Google is reportedly working on a significant update for Pixel smartphones that could bring a Galaxy-style navigation bar layout. This change would allow users to swap the positions of the “Back” and “Recents” buttons on the traditional three-button navigation bar, aligning the Pixel navigation bar with Samsung’s layout.
Currently, the three-button navigation on Pixel phones places the Back button on the left, Home in the center, and Recents on the right. Samsung devices, on the other hand, have Recents on the left, Home in the center, and Back on the right. This difference can cause confusion for users switching from Samsung to Pixel.
The upcoming update, which might arrive as part of a future Android 16 quarterly update, would provide an option to flip the buttons natively within Pixel’s navigation bar settings. However, no exact timeline has been provided by Google.
If implemented, this change could potentially provide more customization options for Pixel users, making it easier to find certain features and enhancing the user experience for those transitioning between Samsung and Pixel smartphones. It's also worth noting that as an alternative, users may opt for gestures instead of the traditional buttons.
For Galaxy fans considering a switch to the upcoming Pixel 10, navigating around the device may require some adjustment due to the different layout. However, with this update, the transition could become smoother.
It's important to note that the new navigation layout on Pixel devices is still in the form of strings of code without any user-facing settings or hidden flags to enable. The latest Android Canary release contains code for new settings for the three-button navigation layout on Pixel devices, but the new navigation settings in Android Canary do not have the ability to change the layout yet.
[1] Source: Android Police [2] Source: 9to5Google [3] Source: XDA Developers
- The upcoming update for Pixel smartphones, hinted to arrive with Android 16, could allow users to alter the navigation bar's layout similar to Samsung's, offering the option to swap the positions of the "Back" and "Recents" buttons.
- If this change becomes a reality, Pixel users may find it easier to customize their phones and seamlessly transition between Samsung and Pixel devices, potentially reducing user confusion.
