According to the latest beta version of Android 14, Google may let users customize the taskbar style on tablets and foldable devices.
Mishaal Rahman of Android Police found a hidden ENABLE_TASKBAR_PINNING flag in Android 14 Beta 3, Shows that Google plans to allow users to select a “persistent” or “short” mode for the taskbar.
The “Persistent” mode, introduced in Android 12L, keeps the taskbar always displayed at the bottom of the device screen, taking up the entire length horizontally. Users can place up to six apps of their choice on the taskbar, and can easily click to switch apps or drag one app into split-screen mode, increasing the efficiency of multitasking.
The “Short” mode, introduced in Android 13 QPR2 Beta 2, requires users to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the taskbar, which displays a number of recommended apps based on user habits.
Igeekphone notes that in the latest beta version of Android 14, this sign to switch taskbar mode is not enabled by default, so users can only use the “short” mode. It’s also unclear when Google will officially launch the feature. However, if this feature is available when Android 14 is officially released, it would be a popular option for Google, which just announced the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
Google is expected to release the official version of Android 14 in August, but there are expected to be one or two more beta versions before the official version arrives.