There’s a new Android Canary build out, and with it comes a preview of changes Google has in store for a future update. After building out a rough flashlight brightness UI a couple of months ago, Google’s testing out an Apple-inspired UI for everyone’s favorite camera-adjacent utility.
As spotted by Android Authority, Android Canary 2510 includes a big change to the flashlight tile in Quick Settings. Long-pressing that tile launches a “Flashlight Strength” window, allowing you to maximize or minimize the brightness of your Pixel’s LED. While this window was initially added in Android Canary 2508, the big change this time around is the visual redesign, which turns a basic slider UI into an illustrated beam-shaped slider — just like on iOS.
Yes, it’s impossible not to note some of the similarities between the modern flashlight UI on the iPhone and the in-testing design seen here. Apple launched this design with iOS 18 last year, even adding the ability to change the width of the beam on Pro-series iPhones. Considering there are really only so many ways to map flashlight brightness controls onto a slidable toggle — and Google’s has now tested both of the main ones — it’s hard to fault Android for going along with a similar design. Personally, I’m just glad something like this is likely coming to Pixel in a future QPR release.
Of course, if you’re on a Pixel right now, you don’t need to wait for Google’s update to control your flashlight brightness. While Pixel devices only operate their flashlights at half-brightness by default, third-party apps like FlashDim allow you to maximize (or minimize) your light levels, create custom Quick Settings toggles with proper brightness, and links directly with the volume rocker for a built-in shortcut key. In my view, it’s a must-have utility for any Pixel owner.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments