Remember when Apple released the iPhone X last year, with its unique notch on top of the phone? Well now Google has mandated a few requirements for their device partners for compatibility purposes, one of those are for limiting “notches.”
When Apple released the iPhone X last September, the phone showcased a hard-to-ignore black notch across the top of its screen. Within a few months, it became a fashionable design that encouraged other smartphone manufacturers to replicate a similar groove using the soon to be released - Android P update.
Sequentially, smartphones are also adopting changes that lean more towards smaller bezels and larger screen aspect ratios. Early concept art and rumors for upcoming devices, and even some that have already been released, show device screens that redefined to achieve an edge-to-edge experience to emphasize the importance of sensors and cameras in front of the device. Google is addressing those cutouts, mainly because notches are coming with many new phone designs. Last month, Asus, rolled out the latest Zenfone 5, with a familiar notch. Speculations are that Huawei and LG might introduce smartphones with similar notches too.
Currently, there are 16 cutout devices derived from 11 OEMs that have been already unveiled. Including many Android P beta devices, with more coming soon. These outstanding displays present a better way to execute the full potential of the device and with a seamless experience across cell phones with 18:9 and larger aspect ratios. For now, the Android P update is still under development until the "search giant" officially introduces it. Right now it's anyone's guess what the P will stand for and what will be the latest features and design that will soon be unveiled.
Also, no manufacturer has released a smartphone that has more than one cutout. Following that, a device with notches to the side would somewhat compromise the screen space instead of giving it a full appearance. Therefore, some of these rules might not make sense for others, unless Google has something secret planned for a launch later this year with multiple cutouts.
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