Google is testing a new navigation bar for Android P that looks like Apple's new gesture and user interface on the iPhone X. Google accidentally revealed the new navigation bar in an Android developer blog post (copy in cache) and the company removed a screenshot that it posted in action. The new navigation bar no longer includes a multi-tasking button, and the central start button looks much smaller and pill-shaped.
9to5Google reports that Google is testing a new navigation bar similar to the iPhone X, with a sliding gesture that reveals the multitasking user interface. It is not clear if the pill-like button, which looks like the one found in a filtered Moto X5 image, still functions as a button, or simply is an identifier to slide up for the home like the iPhone X. Google it seems to continue to include its back button control as well, although 9to5Google reports that this only appears in the context when a back button is required.
Google is just testing this navigation bar right now, and the company has previously tested other changes in the navigation bar in past versions of Android without sending them. Anyway, Google supports screen notches such as iPhone X or Essential Phone with its update of Android P, and a new navigation bar with gestures would make it easier for Android developers to make better use of screens without bevel. We hope to hear more about Android P at the Google I / O Developer Conference next month.