Google appears set to reverse one unpopular interface decision in Android 17, but early leaks suggest the fix may arrive alongside another change that could divide users.
Early leaks from tipster Mystic Leaks say that Google is testing multiple interface changes ahead of Android 17’s first developer preview.
While one update addresses a long-standing frustration in Quick Settings, another could significantly alter how notifications and controls are accessed across phones, tablets, and foldables.
Wi-Fi and mobile data controls are being split again
The most widely welcomed change is Google’s apparent decision to separate Wi-Fi and mobile data into individual Quick Settings toggles.
Google previously merged both connectivity options into a single tile, a move that many users criticised for making it harder to quickly disable one connection without affecting the other.
Android 17 appears to undo that decision, restoring separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data directly within the pull-down menu.
For users frequently switching between unreliable Wi-Fi networks and mobile data, this change should make connectivity control faster and more predictable.
The change signals that Google is willing to revisit design decisions when feedback remains consistently negative over multiple Android releases.
A split notification and Quick Settings menu is also coming
More controversial is the reported plan to split Notifications and Quick Settings into two separate panes.
Under this system, swiping down from one side of the screen would reveal Quick Settings toggles, while swiping from the opposite side would show notifications.
This layout mirrors Apple’s iOS approach and is already used by many Android manufacturers, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, and Oppo.
Image Credit (Trusted Reviews)
Google’s current unified layout has long been praised for its simplicity, but it has increasingly stood apart from broader Android design trends.
Earlier leaks suggest the dual-pane interface will be optional on smartphones, giving users the choice to keep the current combined layout if they prefer.
However, tablet and foldable devices are expected to use the split layout by default, with no option to revert to the unified menu.
That decision could frustrate anyone who prefers consistency across form factors or who values Google’s cleaner notification handling.
At this stage, the changes remain unconfirmed and subject to revision before Android 17 enters public testing.
With the first developer preview expected soon, hands-on testing will be needed to determine whether Google has struck the right balance between flexibility and familiarity.
For now, Android 17 is shaping up to be a release that fixes one long-standing annoyance while potentially introducing another.
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