At the 2021 Android Dev Summit, Google announced Android 12L. It described 12L as "optimised for the next wave of large-screen devices" - which includes foldables, tablets, and even devices that run Chrome OS.

Here's what you need to know about Android 12L.

What is Android 12L?

Simply put: 12L is an operating system update.

Google positions it as a "special feature drop that makes Android 12 even better on large screens". The company essentially tweaked its system UI for large screens, added more multitasking features, and improved compatibility support for apps.

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Google

What does the L stand for?

As far as we can tell, the "L" in Android 12L stands for "large-screen devices" - but Google has yet to confirm.

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Google

How is 12L different from Android 12?

Essentially, Android 12L can change the layout of a device’s UI, by adjusting the placement of the home screen, lock screen, notifications, Quick Settings, and more. Any screen that is 600 density-independent pixels (dp) and above will display a two-column layout that uses the entire screen.

In one example for Android 12L, Google said the Quick Settings menu on a large-screen device could go toward the left side of the display, while the notifications panel could be pinned to the right, allowing you to use both simultaneously without opening one app and closing another.

According to Google, the following three components make Android 12L different from the standard version of Android 12 running on smartphones:

  • Optimised for large screens: Includes a refined the UI to make Android easier to use on screens larger than 600sp.
  • Built for multitasking: Includes a taskbar that lets you drag and drop an app into split-screen mode and switch apps.
  • Improved compatibility experience: Visual and stability changes help all apps look built specifically for large screens.
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Google

When will Android 12L be available?

Google originally said Android 12L would release for consumers sometime in early 2022. However, in a blog post published in March 2022, the company clarified that Android 12L would come later this year - "with planned updates from Samsung, Lenovo and Microsoft". The company did not provide any more specifics, so it makes one wonder if the Galaxy Z Fold, Z Flip, and Surface Duo will get the new interface. Google did say we can expect Android 12L to bring features that will "make tablets and foldables simpler and easier to use".

Is there an Android 12L beta?

Yes. A preview is available to test. Go to the here to get started.

The first beta release arrived in December 2021. It's very much for developers, but Google said you should be able to run the beta on the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro. You’ll also be able to install 12L on the Pixel 3A through to the Pixel 5A, though you won’t be able to test out the large screen UI.

Which devices support Android 12L?

Google said it's already working with OEM partners - including Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft - to roll out the 12L update.

The preview of Android 12L supports the Lenovo P12 Pro tablet.

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Google

Want to know more?

Check out Google's developer page for Android 12L. Pocket-lint also has an in-depth guide on Android 12, specifically.