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Google first introduced a taskbar with Android 12L in 2022 so that users can access their favorite apps quickly on tablets. Currently, the taskbar on Android tablets shows six different pinned apps along with two suggested ones. Talking in the context of Pixel Launcher, it’s possible to see recent apps on the taskbar.
However, those apps are visible depending on how frequently you use them and not due to recent usage. In other words, the taskbar doesn’t necessarily show recent apps all the time. Now, it seems Google is upgrading the taskbar to show recently used apps.
The taskbar on Android tablets could soon show recent apps
The potential feature was first reported yesterday by Mishaal Rahman for Android Authority. Rahman reportedly found some codes while digging through the Android QPR Beta 2 which hinted at the upcoming change. Per the report, the new change will replace the app suggestions with recent apps on the Android taskbar.
Precisely speaking, the two suggested apps get swapped with two recent apps on the taskbar as shown in the video at the end. Worth noting that other manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus have already done something like this with their respective OS. You can already see recent apps on the taskbar of popular Android foldables like the OnePlus Open and Galaxy Z Fold 6.
There’s no surety if or when we will see this change
If Google adds recent apps to the taskbar as a base Android 15 feature, it will benefit book-style foldables and tablets from other manufacturers too. Rahmaan also mentioned that Google hasn’t enabled this feature yet.
In addition, there’s no guarantee if or when this feature will be available to the general public. Besides including recent apps, Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 might add features like keyword quick-switching and lock screen widgets. Let’s not forget that all these features are part of Beta for now.