The mobile tech world is buzzing with new releases, from Samsung’s foldables and wearables to Google’s upcoming Pixel 9 series and the anticipation for the iPhone 16. Amidst this flurry of activity, Motorola, though not launching a new phone, has a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. On the Motorola Razr Plus 2024, there’s a setting that allows you to transform your phone’s interface into an iPhone-like experience. This unexpected feature, while peculiar, might hint at bigger software design changes in the future for Motorola phones.
Motorola phones, by default, sport a quick settings/notification panel reminiscent of Google Pixel devices. Large quick settings bubbles, a horizontal brightness slider, and notifications below are familiar elements to Android users. However, hidden within the depths of Android 14, lies a secret to completely change this familiar layout. On any Motorola phone running Android 14, simply navigate to the Settings app, tap on ‘System,’ then ‘Gestures,’ and finally ‘Quick settings.’ Here, you’ll find ‘Classic’ style selected by default. Tap on ‘Modern’ style, and your quick settings undergo a dramatic transformation. It’s a radical shift, adopting the aesthetics of the Control Center on an iPhone.
Connectivity options for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data now occupy a prominent bubble at the top. Vertical sliders for volume and brightness join them, while a media player and shortcuts for various settings toggles reside below. The gestures also align with the iPhone experience: swiping down from the top right reveals quick settings, while swiping down from the top left displays notifications.
Beyond the iPhone resemblance, the Modern style design holds its own advantages. Compared to the Classic layout, more settings are visible at once, fostering a greater sense of control. Customization options, like hiding or showing the media player and toggling text labels, add a touch of personalization.
This iPhone-inspired makeover sparks curiosity. While it could simply be a case of Motorola expanding customization options, it also raises questions about broader design shifts in their future software updates. Motorola’s Android 14 update, while not dramatically different from Android 13, reveals subtle visual tweaks. The standard quick settings/notification panel exhibits a transparent, glass-like design, a visual element mirrored in the new widgets introduced with the Razr 2024 and Razr Plus 2024. The Settings and Moto apps have also received an updated design, featuring stark white backgrounds with bold, black text.
Combining these visual changes with the iPhone-like quick settings layout, one can’t help but wonder if they represent the tip of the iceberg for future visual transformations in Motorola phones and software. When questioned earlier this year, Jeff Snow, Motorola’s executive director of global innovation and software experiences, indicated that this was not a sign of larger design changes. He emphasized that Motorola intends to stick with what Android does well, not attempting to reinvent the wheel. Nevertheless, the mind wanders. Perhaps there are no other substantial visual changes planned, and the iPhone-like quick settings are just a unique design choice. Regardless, it’s a delightful surprise that adds a dash of iPhone flair to your Motorola phone. In a world where smartphone surprises are becoming rare, this hidden feature stands out as a pleasant departure from the norm.
