Google's Android P update will take into consideration the iPhone X like 'notch' design element

Apple iPhones are known to set trends and we have seen a lot of Android smartphone makers mimic Apple's design elements be it on the hardware or software front. With the iPhone X, the 'notch' like design element is also 'inspiring' a lot of device makers, from the renders that we have seen. But unlike the iOS 11, Google's Android platform is not built for phones with a 'notch' like design.[caption id="attachment_4193695" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Apple iPhone X. Image: tech2/Rehan Hooda[/caption]To ensure that this is not a limitation, Google is said to be working on an overhaul of its next Android mobile software for smartphones which may be replicating Apple's iPhone X like 'notch' design.According to a report in Bloomberg, the next Android software update (some also call it Android P) will be out later this year. This update will also incorporate Google's digital assistant, support new designs such as multiple screens as well as foldable displays and focus on battery life said people familiar with the matter.The idea is to wean away users from the iOS ecosystem to the Android ecosystem, said people aware of the matter.Now while Android dominates the budget and mid-range smartphone market, Apple has a stranglehold on the premium smartphone market. This also helps Apple earn a lot of revenue from its services segment. Google is definitely expecting a notch element on many hardware phone designs in the near future and hence incorporating it in the next Android update as it feels this would lead to innovation on the Android platform. And that would eventually lead to a larger pie of the premium smartphone market. Of course, the fragmented Android market will still prove to be a challenge.Currently, the Essential Phone made by former Android boss Andy Rubin is the only major phone with a notch in the front. But this notch is not as prominent as the one seen on the iPhone X. There are already talks about Huawei working on a smartphone with a notch. So it wouldn't be surprising to see more Android handset makers embrace this design trend.Speculations are also rife that Google Assistant could be integrated into more third-party apps as well.According to Bloomberg, Google is rumoured to be calling the next Android version Pistachio Ice Cream in-house.