Android 17 could bring a major redesign to the notification and Quick Settings experience, introducing a split layout that separates notifications from system controls. According to leaks from Mystic Leaks reported by tech sources, the new interface would allow users to access notifications and Quick Settings independently using swipe gestures. Swiping from the left side of the screen is said to open notifications, while swiping from the right brings up Quick Settings. This redesign is expected to improve usability, especially on larger devices such as tablets and foldable phones, where the split layout may become the default, replacing the traditional combined pull-down panel.
The split design concept was first spotted in Android 16 beta builds but never reached a stable release. In Android 17, Google appears to have refined the interface, resolving earlier visual and functional issues to create a more polished experience. On foldable devices, the split layout is likely to be applied on the inner screen while maintaining the classic combined panel on the outer display. Standard smartphones may still offer users the option to choose between the traditional combined view and the new split layout through system settings.
Leaks also suggest that Android 17 may restore separate Wi-Fi and mobile data toggles in Quick Settings, replacing the combined Internet tile introduced in Android 12. This would allow users faster one-tap control over connectivity options. While these features are not yet confirmed by Google and Android 17 is still in development with no developer preview available, the changes point toward a more organized and user-friendly interface for future Android devices.