Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi is one among the handset makers that ditched the app drawer since the very beginning. One of the few exceptions to this in Xiaomi’s range of devices it Poco F1, and that too, because it does not come with MIUI skin. Other Xiaomi devices that come with app drawers are the ones that are a part of Google’s Android One program.
However, now this is going to change soon as Xiaomi is said to be testing an in-built app drawer in its custom MIUI skin. The company will also be getting app shortcuts to its user interface.
The latest MIUI launcher alpha will be released with version number 4.10.6.1025-06141703. Based on the screenshots, users will have to tap the central button on the home screen to open the app drawer. We should also mention that the swipe up and swipe down gestures and go back to home screen option does not seem to be working for now to access the app launcher. However, it is being speculated that Xiaomi will include these options. In the app drawer, all the recently used apps will be placed on the top, while all the other downloaded apps will be shown in alphabetical order as usual. The launcher also includes a downward arrow on the top and on being tapped, it will collapse the app drawer.
A feature called App Shortcuts that was released with Android 7.0 Nougat, has also been spotted. Quick reactions pop up whenever an app icon is long-pressed and this lets users perform specific tasks of the app directly very quickly. This will also make its way to MIUI.
As of now, there is no specific date announced by Xiaomi about when it intends to launch the app drawer.
How to install the app drawer:
In order to activate the app drawer, follow these steps:
- Install the new MIUI alpha app launcher and then long-press on the home screen.
- Tap on the Settings option and then click on ‘More’.
- Now tap home screen settings and it will open a page with two options for the home screen. Here, you can find the option for the app drawer.
Recently, Xiaomi announced on its MIUI Community forums that starting July, it is going to end its global MIUI beta program for all the devices. The company says that it wants to limit its beta testing and update devices under Mi and Redmi branding more regularly.
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