Android 17 UI Changes: Google May Bring Back Dual-Shade Notifications and Separate Internet Toggles
Google may be preparing a major visual refresh for Android 17, with early leaks suggesting a redesigned notification and Quick Settings experience. According to reports, the company is testing a new “dual-shade” layout that splits notifications and system controls into two separate panels.
With this design, users could access notifications by swiping down from the left side of the screen, while Quick Settings would appear when swiping from the right. The move is aimed at reducing clutter, cutting down on scrolling, and making better use of screen space, especially on larger devices.
Android Authority reports that the new layout is expected to be mandatory for tablets and foldable phones. These devices would always display the split view to take advantage of their bigger screens. On regular smartphones, however, users may get a choice between the new dual-panel design and the classic combined notification shade.
The split layout is not entirely new. Several Android manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus already use similar designs in their custom Android skins. Google’s implementation is expected to closely match these layouts, making the change feel familiar rather than radical.
Tipster Mystic Leaks has also revealed that Google may finally reverse one of its most criticised design decisions. Android 17 is expected to bring back separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles, replacing the combined Internet tile that many users disliked. This change was first hinted at in Android 16 QPR2, when developers discovered code pointing to an optional toggle split.
For foldable devices, the update comes with a limitation. Reports suggest users won’t be able to switch back to the classic combined panel on the inner screen. Only the outer display may continue to support the old layout. Tablets, meanwhile, will be locked into the split view with no option to change it.
Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman had first spotted early signs of this interface back in 2024. Recent leaks indicate that Google has fixed earlier bugs and visual issues, suggesting the feature is now stable and likely to debut officially with Android 17.
If these changes roll out as expected, Android 17 could mark a significant shift in how users interact with notifications and system controls, especially on large-screen devices.