Android 17 could let you remove a major Pixel feature

Finally, a choice?

Summary created by Smart Answers AI

In summary:

• Tech Advisor reports that Android 17 QPR1 beta 2 code suggests users may soon hide the Google search bar from Pixel homescreens.
• This potential feature addresses long-standing user requests for cleaner interfaces and follows previous customization options like hiding the ‘At a Glance’ widget.
• While not confirmed for final release, this change aligns with Android 17’s increased user control theme for Pixel devices.

Android 17 is fast approaching and the code for the latest beta might hint at a major change for Pixel users.

For many years, Google’s search bar has been a core part of the user experience on its own-brand Pixel phones, but that might be about to change. Users may finally be given the option to remove it from the homescreen.

It’s long been possible to customise the search bar in various ways, but strings of code in the Android 17 QPR1 beta 2 suggest Google might be taking things one step further, as spotted by Android Authority.

The code includes mentions of the ability to show or hide the search bar. A help or a hindrance, depending on your personal opinion, it at least gives users the power to choose.

Many users have spent years asking Google for this change, either from a desire for a cleaner look on their phone, or because they don’t need the feature as they use a different search engine.

However, as it’s just code in a beta that’s not currently functional, it doesn’t mean that it’s guaranteed to end up in the final version of Android 17. Still, we’re hopeful.

The news comes after an earlier Android 17 beta allowed users to hide the At a Glance widget, another sticking point of the Pixel homescreen. Overall, the vibe of Android 17 is more user control and customisability, but we should find out more this month when Google unveils Android 17 in full.

The Android Show: I/O Edition returns on 12 May, so mark your calendars.