A series of leaked images published by XDA-Developers show an initial look at the Android 12 update from Google. The site has published screenshots that are said to be taken from the initial draft of documents that the search giant distributes to Android partners.
Google shares source documents and code with its key partners prior to the final release, in order to give them time to prepare for the release.
It seems that the initial draft of a document prepared by Google to summarize the changes in Android 12 has been leaked, and screenshots showing the new user interface and other changes were extracted.
The screenshots, which XDA-Developers says have not been fully confirmed, include what appear to be new user interface changes, a new privacy indicator and chat tool.
And if the UI changes are subtle, they include a focus on the rounded corners, while reducing the number of quick settings available from the non-expanded notification panel.
Google is also using the light brown color scheme which could be part of Android 12 (social media)
And it appears that Google is also using the light brown color scheme which could be part of Android 12.
In addition to the changes to the user interface, the screenshots show the new privacy indicator similar to what is found in "iOS".
And a warning indicator in the status bar to show that an application has access to the camera or microphone.
The site also reported an alleged overhaul of Android 12's privacy settings, with the ability to fully toggle the camera and microphone on and off.
Other screenshots show what could be a new chat tool for the operating system, and it appears to show recent messages and calls. XDA-Developers claims that it could be a mandatory feature for all Android 12 devices.
Google has not officially confirmed any new user interface or feature changes to the upcoming operating system yet.
However, the company has committed to making its third-party app stores easier to use in Android 12.
Google usually previews the next version of Android in March, but last year it surprised everyone by previewing the Android 11 update early in February, so we might be able to see what Android 12 has in store in the coming weeks.
Google is due to release its next major Android version later this year, after a series of developer previews and betas that will likely start appearing later this month.