Predictive back gesture in Android 13 will preview your destination before you finish swiping

However, apps will need to be updated to support this change.

With the launch of Android 13 beta 2 today, we’re finally getting a better idea of ​​what this year’s major upgrade is going to be. One of the most confusing elements hidden in the code for Beta 1 last month was the “predictive behind-the-scenes gesture,” subject to much speculation over the past few weeks. With Google I/O, we finally get a better idea of ​​how these gestures will work once they go live.

As described by Google, these predictive gestures allow users to peek into your destination before actually ending their swipe. It’s pretty close to what people like Mishaal Rahman predicted last month, making it easy for users to know where they’re headed before they even cross the screen.

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In Google’s example — which, unfortunately, is currently inactive on the page describing the changes — the back gesture shows the home screen behind an active app, showing the user where they’ll land once the action is complete. Developers will need to update their apps to support the new OnBackInvokedCallback API or the updated OnBackPressedCallback AppCompat API. It is unclear whether these changes will cause issues with third-party launchers, as previously expected.

Google says it will work with phones, tablets, and foldables, so expect to see it in action on Pixels and other Android 13-supported devices in the future. Although it’s not live on Android 13 beta 2 yet, it only takes you a few minutes to install it on your phone.

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Will Sattelberg (1001 articles published)

Will has been an Android enthusiast ever since he got his first smartphone in 2011. He loves watching movies, has a never-ending backlog of video games, and produces podcasts in his spare time. He lives in Buffalo, NY and is ready to give you chicken wing recommendations at any time. just ask.

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