Google has started testing a new setting in the Android 16 beta which will allow users to customize the function of the power button on their devices. This option, which currently opens the camera by default, could be configured to launch Google Wallet or other digital wallet apps with a double tap.
For years, double-tapping the power button has been a quick way to access the camera, an essential tool for many users. However, this new approach aims to offer a customizable alternative for those who do contactless payments or frequently use digital IDs.
In the first beta of Android 16, a new menu called «Double tap the power button» within the gesture settings. This menu provides the ability to choose between opening the camera, Google Wallet or even disable the double-tap feature altogether. Although the setting is not yet available by default, it is expected to be one of the standout features of the final version of Android 16. A change inspired by other platforms
This approach is not entirely new. On Apple devices, the side button already allows you to launch your Wallet app with a tap. double touch. In the same way, Samsung implemented a similar feature in its advanced settings, allowing users to configure quick access to Google Wallet or any other app of your choice. Google seems to be following this same trend with a version adapted for Android.
Unlike Samsung, whose settings allow you to customize both the double-tap and the long press of the side button, Google's proposal is limited for now to the double-tap. The main advantage lies in the simplicity of its implementation, especially for those who prefer to keep their options simple and effective.
Personalization and accessibility options
This feature also includes the option to disable the shortcut completely, offering more freedom to the user. The interface to configure this option is intuitive and Minimalist, with a switch to enable or disable the double-tap gesture and a selector to choose the desired action.
Furthermore, The integration of Google Wallet in this gesture could favor the use of NFC, a key technology for mobile payments and digital ID storage. This move not only reinforces Android’s utility as a platform, but also reinforces its focus on user convenience.
Availability and expectations
For now, this new feature has only been enabled experimentally in the Android 16 beta, although there are reports that it appeared in previous versions of Android 15 in a hidden state. Its final public rollout is expected to come alongside the official launch of Android 16, scheduled for the first half of 2025.
Pixel devices will be the first to benefit from this feature, as they tend to lead the way in adopting new Android features. As the ecosystem evolves, other manufacturers are likely to integrate this option into their custom skins as well.
Google's efforts to expand Android's customization capabilities reflect its commitment to improving the user experience. Features like this cement its role as a pioneer in the adoption of innovative technologies that make everyday tasks, such as making payments or accessing IDs, easier right from the phone with a single gesture.