New Android N leak hints at absence of app drawer, refreshed notifications panel

Google I/O is a few months away, and there are already speculations flying around about what might be new in Android N. The latest rumour to head our way comes in the form of a design improvement which may or may not be welcomed by Android users. The absence of the app drawer was sighted on an official Google Maps video posted by Google on Twitter, and it instantly got the interwebs buzzing. The video mock-up clearly showed the absence of the customary app drawer icon, instead featuring three apps on the bottom panel.

Although Google extinguished the burning speculations by stating that the video portrayed an inaccurate version of its UI and that it does not forebode future software changes, the removal of the app drawer might just be a trend being followed. Case in point being LG, that has bid adieu to the app drawer in its G5 (first impressions), and Chinese brands such as Honor, Xiaomi and Lenovo - whose proprietary skins and ROMs don't feature app drawers at all.

Lollipop / Marshmallow vs Alleged Android N. Image Source: Android Police

Besides the app drawer, Android Police has also reported on the notifications panel getting a makeover, with the inclusion of toggles placed above the widely spaced out notifications in the pull-down notification shade. The quick settings toggles have undergone a cosmetic makeover as well, with an additional page being present. An edit button that's visible might also hint at the System UI Tuner being moved from the Developer options directly to the toggles shade.

Lollipop / Marshmallow vs Alleged Android N. Image source: Android Police

Other Android N rumours that we know of until now include the hamburger menu for better app navigation, day/night themes, Bottom Sheets and Custom Tabs, which we've touched upon earlier. Source, Via, Via 2